FORWARDER magazine issue 87

KESTREL’S KING’S AWARD for enterprise in international trade

A.I. IN LOGISTICS revolutionising freight forwarding

BACK A WINNER & back Daniella Sutton!

FEATURING...

PRO-LOGIST

GLOBAL SOLUTIONS

EFFICIENCY IN MOTION

THE SECTIONS

AIR FREIGHT

If it flies and it's freight, we'll feature it.

SEA FREIGHT

If it floats and it's fr... you get the idea.

ROAD FREIGHT

By far the largest share of cargo transport in the USA.

RAIL FREIGHT

The second stalwart; road's right-hand man.

PROJECT CARGO

Oversized, heavy, high-value or mission-critical stuff.

PORTS & HUBS

Gateways to the wider world.

TECH & DIGITISATION

From data to drones. Welcome to the future.

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

From promo to expo, don't risk FOMO.

CUSTOMS & SECURITY

If only COVID had been subject to this...

INDUSTRY SERVICES

Everything from freight forwarding to insurance.

CRISIS RESPONSE

The latest emergency, from money to monkeypox.

RECRUITMENT & TRAINING

Growing, perfecting, and certifiying your business.

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

The other way to grow your company.

MEDIA & MARKETING

This is a vital industry. Let's shout about it!

GIVING BACK

Environment. Fundraising. Charity. The feel-good stuff.

WELCOME TO FORWARDER...

A WORD FROM

THE TEAM

elcome to issue 87 of FORWARDER. Following our new format as a biannual publication, this is the midyear issue covering the first two quarters.

Please get in touch to get your stories told in the next issue, due at the start of next year. The pick of the bunch will also appear in the next issue of FORWARDER directory.

Tim, Designer, FORWARDER magazine

craig@freightsolutions.com

DIRECTOR james@freightsolutions.com +44 (0)117 248 2623

ADVERTISERS

Business West ...IFC

Atanak...p12

Daygard...p16

DP World...p19

Collicare...p23

A. Plessas...p27

Eurgent ...p31

Warehouse Space...p43

Multimodal...p63

Gaston Schul...p76

CDN...p79

Freightcover...p83

Realm Realtime...p87

ForwardingJobs...p102

Headford Group...p108

Freight Mergers...p113

FreightWebsite.design...p120

FORWARDER directory...p124

Foremost Freight ...IBC

FORWARDER app...BC

AIR FREIGHT

A system of transporting goods by aircraft.

Related topics

AOG (aircraft on ground)

OBC (on-board couriers)

Air charter

Sponsored by

SWISS WORLDCARGO DEVELOPS GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP WITH CARGO.ONE TO BRING MORE EXPERT CAPACITY WITHIN DIGITAL REACH

Swiss WorldCargo, the air freight division of SWISS, Switzerland’s leading air carrier, has broadened its partnership with cargo.one, the leading platform for digital air cargo bookings. cargo.one offers freight forwarders fast and intuitive access to Swiss WorldCargo’s services from markets in Europe, Asia and Americas. Swiss WorldCargo and cargo.one are collaborating with a shared focus on enhancing the customer’s end-to-end digital experience, by providing freight forwarders with accurate and bookable air freight market content.

Swiss WorldCargo is renowned for its expertise in transporting highvalue, care-intensive, and temperature-sensitive shipments throughout an extensive network of over 170 destinations worldwide. The cargo carrier combines a solid long-haul reach including Asia Pacific and the Americas, with strong pan-European connectivity. Its high-quality processes, reliable trucking network, professional partnerships, and fast turnaround times in Zurich and Geneva, all ensure an efficient and secure service to freight forwarders worldwide.

Its global partnership with cargo.one expands Swiss WorldCargo’s digital footprint to include a thriving community of thousands of forwarders worldwide. Swiss WorldCargo’s modular product portfolio bookable on the cargo.one platform includes SWISS General Cargo and SWISS Pharma and Healthcare, combinable with the transportation solution Celsius Passive, and the speed option X-Presso for a fast transportation.

Leveraging cargo.one’s seamless digital booking process, Swiss WorldCargo has extended its characteristic precision and reliability to its external online sales. cargo.one enables the airfreight division of SWISS to reach more freight forwarders in key markets worldwide, while guaranteeing the best possible digital experiences, around the clock. The goal is to integrate all markets into the platform by the end of 2024.

Swiss WorldCargo’s customers can find Swiss quality and reliability in everything we do. These values are consistently reflected in our digital proposition as well, in line with our ambitions to provide our customers with Swiss quality service. We are pleased to partner with the digital platform cargo.one to offer an enhanced digital booking experience and market presence.

Lorenzo Stoll

, Head of Cargo, Swiss International Air Lines Ltd

Swiss WorldCargo capacity being available on cargo.one is an apt reflection of just how much care we take with each and every digital booking. We are proud to support Swiss WorldCargo in growing its digital presence, and collaborating to bring added long-term value to the market and the industry.

Moritz Claussen, Founder & Co-CEO, cargo.one

AIR FREIGHT NEWS

IAG CARGO OPENS

DUBLIN–DENVER ROUTE

IAG Cargo launches a brand-new service between Dublin and Denver

IAG Cargo enhances capacity with larger aircraft type on services between Dublin and Toronto

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), is announcing a new route between Dublin (DUB) and Denver (DEN) for the first time in its history.

From 17th May 2024, IAG Cargo customers will have the opportunity to transport goods directly between Dublin and Denver with a frequency of four times per week, utilising an Airbus 330-200 aircraft.

Additionally, services between Dublin and Toronto (YYZ) will also see a boost in capacity due to a wide body Airbus 330-200 now being used four times a week on the service.

This new service and additional capacity further support IAG Cargo’s Dublin hub as a gateway to North America, boasting over 80 weekly wide-body rotations - the additional services are essential to facilitating the movement of pharmaceutical products. This is incredibly important for Ireland as the Central Statistics Office revealed that medical and pharmaceutical items are the largest export for the country and have increased by €2,908 million (+48%) to €8,993 million in January 2024 compared with January 2023.

We are really pleased to be introducing additional direct routes for our customers, connecting Ireland and the US. Ireland’s strategic location and business friendly environment have established it as a key hub for the pharmaceutical industry. The additional capacity adds to our strong network offering in North America, giving local businesses a vital connection to global markets.

Camilo

Garcia Cervera , Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, IAG Cargo

IAG Cargo has expanded its Constant Climate global network that serves the pharmaceutical, bioscience and healthcare industry adding Strasbourg as an approved station

IAG Cargo has over 100 approved stations across six continents

Strasbourg is IAG Cargo’s 29th Constant Climate station in Europe

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), is today announcing Strasbourg as its latest station in the Europe to be approved to transport time and temperature-sensitive healthcare products. This station brings the total number of approved Constant Climate stations for temperature-sensitive transport in Europe to 29, with over 100 globally. Recent station openings include Cincinnati and Cape Town as IAG Cargo continues to expand its global offering.

This newly established station will facilitate the transportation of pharmaceuticals requiring precise time and temperature control from Strasbourg to IAG Cargo’s hubs in Madrid and London for further distribution. It will leverage IAG Cargo’s extensive network, which links six continents, to transport critical cargo such as vaccines, medicinal drugs and clinical trial medication worldwide. This service will be particularly beneficial for pharmaceutical customers in France whose pharmaceuticals frequently transit through London-Heathrow or Madrid to reach their final destinations.

We are thrilled to announce the opening of another Constant Climate station, this time in Strasbourg, France. As France’s pharmaceutical sector continues to expand, this station comes at an ideal time to support our customers in delivering life-saving medicines and vaccines efficiently. I’m really looking forward to working with our partners and customers in the region to ensure seamless temperature-controlled air cargo services for their critical shipments.

Jordan

Kohlbeck, Head of Pharmaceutical, IAG Cargo

With an 18% increase in tonnage in 2023 compared to 2022, IAG Cargo's Constant Climate product is a key focus area. It is a cutting edge cold chain solution designed specifically for the transportation of pharmaceuticals, such as vaccines, biotech products, diagnostics samples, or any other temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical material.

PRO-LOGIST: A LEADER IN PRECISION

Discover Pro-Logist, a leading logistics provider with over 35 years of expertise. Our dedicated team offers tailored solutions for dangerous goods, time-sensitive deliveries, and unique shipments. With direct airline booking options and a commitment to sustainability, we ensure efficient and reliable logistics. Experience unmatched service and innovative solutions with Pro-Logist.

AIR FREIGHT COVER FEATURE

PPro-Logist is a distinguished logistics provider, known for its comprehensive services and industry expertise. With a team boasting over 35 years of combined experience, they deliver exceptional logistics solutions that extend beyond transportation. Their mission is to become an integral part of their clients’ teams, providing unmatched service and support in launching new products, navigating international customs regulations, and expanding into new markets.

Tailored Excellence in Client Service

Their dedicated team is at the heart of all operations, bringing a unique blend of skills and expertise to solve critical logistics challenges. They handle everything from dangerous goods and unique commodities to time-sensitive deliveries and certification requirements, working closely with valued clients to truly understand their needs. By engaging deeply with stakeholders and prioritising their commercial success, the team at Pro-Logist ensure that goods reach their destinations quickly and cost-efficiently.

By joining forces here at ProLogist, our experienced team leverages diverse perspectives and competencies. We cultivate a partnership with our clients to foster innovative solutions, whilst supporting them in their own commercial successes and enabling side by side growth.

Silvia Tarchi, Managing Director, Pro-Logist

The team focuses on offering tailored solutions to meet niche and unique requirements. Their strategic planning and process optimisation helps clients address specific needs, streamline workflows, and implement innovative solutions to drive growth and expand market reach. This personalised approach is a cornerstone of their service, providing clients with peace of mind and allowing them to focus on business growth.

IATA CASS Membership: A Key Differentiator

Pro-Logist sets itself apart in the industry by leveraging its direct booking capabilities with airlines through its IATA CASS membership. This enables Pro-Logist to offer more efficient and reliable shipping solutions, ensuring that clients’ valuable shipments are handled with the highest level of care and precision. By maintaining strong relationships with airlines, Pro-Logist guarantees that clients are always informed and in direct communication regarding the status and location of their goods. This advantage, coupled with Pro-Logist’s meticulous approach to logistics, solidifies their position as a leader in the industry.

Commitment to Sustainability

Alongside their world-class service offering, Pro-Logist is deeply committed to sustainability. They aim to provide clients with accurate and substantiated Scope 3 data, preparing for future regulatory demands while contributing to environmental sustainability. Head of Sales Hanna Wein shares her thoughts on a sustainable vision: By collecting verified data, we not only contribute to a sustainable future and reduce carbon footprints, we also anticipate and meet the future regulatory demands that will impact our clients. Collaboration with our clients and partners enables us to create innovative solutions, exchange best practices and make a substantial environmental impact, ultimately benefiting our clients and the planet.

In order to achieve this, Pro-Logist is currently in the beginning stages of developing a digital tool designed to assist clients in optimising shipment routes by considering factors such as environmental impact, time constraints, and cost efficiency. The primary objective of this tool is to set targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and collecting verified scope 3 data, thereby ensuring transparency and accountability in the pursuit of these objectives.

Understanding the Global Need for Versatility

With an ever-evolving global technological landscape and continuous economic challenges, the team at Pro-Logist understand that clients cannot be boxed into one category. Regulatory changes and targeted business growth mean companies require flexibility and options in their logistics offering. By combining air, sea, road, and rail transport, they optimise routing for cargo while considering cost-efficiency. This flexible approach ensures that clients receive the most suitable logistics solutions for their needs.

Specialised Shipments

Pro-Logist specialises in handling niche and unique shipments, including oversized cargo and dangerous goods. They are also adept at managing logistics for prestigious events, such as transporting luxury vehicles for the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to exceptional service ensure that high-value shipments arrive safely and on time.

Moving high-value, timesensitive cargo requires a dedicated approach by a hands-on team who are willing to go above and beyond. Here at Pro-Logist we work in unison to achieve these goals for our valued clients.

Hannah Briggs, Operations Manager, Pro-Logist

By prioritising transparency, sustainability, and client success, ProLogist continues to redefine logistics and drive positive change in the industry. Ready to experience logistics redefined? We extend a warm invitation to businesses of all sizes to explore the advantages of partnering with Pro-Logist.

Pro-Logist is not just a logistics company; it is a team of passionate, dedicated people who live and breathe logistics. Every shipment is treated with the utmost care, followed from start to finish, with team members often traveling to ensure everything runs smoothly. The company keeps all parties informed and prevents problems by simulating potential issues. Clients feel the passion, tenacity, and commitment to excellence and great customer service in every interaction.

Visit pro-logist.com or contact our team directly at +44 20 3885 0520 or at Info@pro-logist.com to learn more about how we can elevate your logistics experience.

PRO-LOGIST

...A LEADER IN PRECISION

SEA FREIGHT

A system of transporting goods by ship.

Related topics

Shipping lines

Biofuels

Ships' parts

Sponsored by

NOATUM LAUNCHES MARITIME SERVICES IN TÜRKIYE

New Office Strengthens Noatum’s Integrated Maritime Agency Services across the Mediterranean Region

Noatum, a leading multinational provider of integrated port operations, maritime, and logistics services, and an AD Ports Group company, announced the inaugural launch of Noatum Maritime’s office in Türkiye.

Launch of the new office, to be led by Noatum Maritime, a core business unit of Noatum, will serve as an important step towards broadening the company's reach in key regional markets with focus on strengthening its comprehensive maritime agency services in the Mediterranean region. In addition, Noatum Maritime’s entry into Türkiye’s market is aligned with AD Ports Group’s vision for international expansion and presence across major global markets and trade lanes already connected to, or offering strong prospects to connect to, the UAE.

Led by Ömür Kuyucuoglu, who assumes the role of Country Manager for Noatum Maritime, the new entity will primarily serve as a port and liner agency, offering a comprehensive suite of maritime services tailored to meet the diverse needs of clients – inclusive of ship owners, ship operators, charterers, and ship managers.

Leveraging its local expertise and synergies across AD Ports Group and Noatum’s ecosystems, the office will deliver integrated services at every stage of maritime operation from its locations in Istanbul and Izmir. Furthermore, the launch also builds on Noatum’s already extensive local and regional presence and expertise given its existing Noatum Logistics – East Europe, Türkiye & CIS office, which is also based in Istanbul.

The establishment of our Türkiye office enables Noatum Maritime to expand its geographical reach, following our growth strategy and fostering deeper engagement with our existing clients. The office will seamlessly integrate into the broader Noatum ecosystem, aiming to deliver integrated maritime agency services better, faster and more cost efficiently, while also attracting new customers in the Türkiye and the East Mediterranean region. Ultimately, our aim is to serve the market as a Top-5 global maritime service provider.

Terry Gidlow, Chief Executive Officer, Noatum Maritime, Noatum, Logistics Cluster, AD Ports Group

The expansion not only strengthens Noatum Maritime's foothold in the Mediterranean, but also signifies its unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service to customers worldwide. With over 60 years of experience in the maritime sector, the business is well-positioned to transform complex port calls into seamless experiences tailored to each client's unique requirements. The expansion also follows the growing ties between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Türkiye, which were further strengthened with signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which was signed in March and came into force in September of 2023. Among other measures, the agreement aims to promote bilateral trade and investment by removing or reducing tariffs and trade barriers, establishing a free trade area, and providing an enhanced market access for UAE’s companies and service providers.

The vast majority of Türkiye’s trade is moved by sea, amounting to USD $362 billion of import and USD $259 billion of export flows in 2023. Its shipping market is characterised by growing cargo volumes and a significant increase in fleet capacity, with cabotage transportation increasing by 48% between 2012 and 2022. This growth continues to push demand for high quality shipping services, presenting unique business opportunities for Noatum Maritime.

SEA FREIGHT NEWS

WORLD SHIPPING COUNCIL RELEASES CONTAINERS LOST AT SEA REPORT

The World Shipping Council (WSC) today released its annual report on containers lost at sea, showing a significant decrease to 221 containers lost in 2023. While this is the lowest number recorded since the survey began in 2008, the WSC underscores the ongoing need for stringent safety measures and constant vigilance, as every container lost at sea is one too many.

Key Findings

Lower Losses : 221 containers were lost at sea in 2023 out of 250 million containers transported, a reduction from the previous lowestever loss of 661 containers in 2022.

Recovery Efforts: About 33% of the lost containers were recovered.

Despite these improvements, the WSC stresses that the industry cannot become complacent. The progress made in 2023 is encouraging, but it highlights the continuous need for dedication to safety protocols and preventive measures.

Ongoing & Upcoming Initiatives

The Marin TopTier Joint Industry Project: TopTier has contributed concrete outcomes on the causes of containers overboard together with recommendations and training material on how to avoid and manage different kinds of dangerous parametric rolling. Later this year, the final report will be published with conclusions and recommendations arising from extensive scientific research and analyses, providing industry best practices, updated safety, container and lashing standards, guidance and recommendations for regulatory updates.

Mandatory Reporting of containers lost at sea : New mandatory reporting requirements for containers lost at sea were recently adopted by the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 108), and will take effect on January 1, 2026. WSC has worked closely with member nations to develop these mandatory reporting requirements, being part of the initial submission by the European Union and taking an active part in the working group. By ensuring prompt and detailed reporting of lost and drifting containers, the amendments aim to enhance navigational safety, facilitate swift response actions, and mitigate potential environmental hazards.

Regulatory Enhancements: Continuous efforts to revise and enhance safety guidelines, including the SOLAS Convention and the CTU Code.

The reduction in containers lost at sea in 2023 is a positive development, but it does not diminish the urgency of our work. Every container lost at sea represents a potential hazard, and our commitment to preventing these incidents must be unwavering.

John Butler, CEO, World Shipping Council

The liner shipping industry remains committed to working with governments and other stakeholders to implement effective safety measures and ensure the secure transport of containers. The progress achieved so far serves as a foundation for further action and continuous improvement.

Annual updates for improved data

Correct data plays an important part in the work to enhance container safety. As a part of our advocacy for mandatory international reporting of containers overboard, WSC has been reporting on the number of Containers Lost at Sea since 2011, with data starting 2008. Originally the Report was updated every three years. To provide more timely updates, the Containers Lost at Sea Report is since 2023 carried out on an annual basis.

SEA FREIGHT NEWS

We are delighted to announce that we have been named in the King's Birthday Honours list as recipients of this years Kings Awards for International Trade. The highest echelon of recommendation , authorised by Number 10 Downing Street and then by His Majesty King Charles. This is an accolade that expresses every sentiment that we hold dear and that are the keys to our success.

The Kings Awards for International Trade recognise those companies who are able to demonstrate exponential growth and prove new growth outside of their existing core business within a strict framework of financial and ethical boundaries.

We cannot tell you how excited and proud we are for the entire global Kestrel family to achieve this. Being the recipient of three Queens Awards for International Trade, to receive a Kings Award has left us speechless and could not come at a more opportune time. This year Kestrel in the UK celebrated its 30th anniversary on 30th April – the same day as Founder and CEO Andy Thorne’s 60th birthday and this year we also celebrate 21 years of Kestrel in the USA.

Kestrel was formed in partnership with Andy Thorne and Mark Patterson (now retired) quite literally launched by two young men with big dreams and little else except their ability ! Armed with only a gifted fax machine and part of the space of a portacabin, they created a worldwide group of companies by sheer hard work, determination, coupled with expert knowledge and experience, a desire to be different to other companies offering 24/7 service within logistics at a time when

this was unheard of. It is easy to say from the outside that they were bound to succeed but as every business owner and entrepreneur recognised, obstacles, hardship and disappointment are the constant companions of those that seek to succeed. What sets the successful apart is the sheer determination and will to rise above all challenges and think outside of the box. A genuine desire to provide superlative customer service, resulting in many customers becoming good friends

along the journey, is a hallmark of Kestrel’s success. But of course it wouldn’t be Kestrel without our worldwide family of employees who all work with the same philosophy and passion. To say we are delighted is an understatement. We will be sharing the success at a fabulous event at the Palace of Westminster in June whilst Andy Thorne will meet His Majesty King Charles at Windsor Palace in July.

Our thanks and appreciation go to all of our employees, customers and colleagues globally.

KESTREL AWARDED KING’S AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE

17 JUNE 2024

| Source: PORT OF ANTWERP-BRUGES

SWEDEN–BELGIUM GREEN SHIPPING CORRIDOR WELCOMES NEW PARTNER & EXPANDS GREEN AMBITIONS

Port of Gothenburg, North Sea Port, and DFDS welcome Port of Antwerp-Bruges to the Green Shipping Corridor and bolsters the green ambitions of the project. By 2030, two DFDS ammonia-fuelled ro-ro vessels are expected to operate on the routes between Sweden and Belgium, and the ports will step up efforts on electrification and ammonia bunkering, potentially making it the world's first green ammonia shipping corridor for freight vessels.

2,500 kilometres. That is the distance from the northernmost to the southernmost point of the Green Shipping Corridor between Sweden and Belgium that Port of Gothenburg, North Sea Port, DFDS and Port of Antwerp-Bruges want to establish to promote near zero emission transport.

The corridor potentially connects 11 European countries through sea, land, and rail routes from Norway in Northern Europe to Spain in the South. In this corridor, the ports of Gothenburg, North Sea Port and Antwerp-Bruges work as transportation hubs as well as important origin and destination zones of industrial activity.

Raised ambitions

The aim is to have at least two DFDS ammonia-fuelled vessels in operation on the Corridor from 2030, a part of DFDS’s ambition to have six low- and near-zero-emission vessels in operation by 2030. The ammonia-vessels will be complemented by electric trucks and rail transport on land, as well as onshore power supply for the vessels. Therefore, efforts are being intensified by the ports to facilitate electric terminal operations and enable safe ammonia bunkering.

Furthermore, the partners are planning to start producing significant amounts of renewable electricity.

The three original partners signed an MoU in 2022 to work together to decarbonise the shipping corridor between Sweden and Belgium and to create a scalable solution. The addition of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to this coalition strengthens this commitment.

DFDS has applied for funding for a total of four ammonia-fuelled vessels and, if the funding is granted, the project including electrification in the ports is expected to reduce 328,000 t CO2e emissions per year corresponding to around 11% of DFDS’s scope 1 GHG emissions compared to 2023.

Port of Antwerp Bruges fully endorses the efforts of its customers and partners in prioritizing the greening of operations both at sea and on land. DFDS, an important operator with a daily roll-on/roll-off freight service to Gothenburg, will contribute to our ambition towards climate-neutral transport in, to and through the port. As one of the largest bunker hubs worldwide, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is committed to offering climateneutral marine fuels and embraces DFDS's innovative approach of utilizing ammonia-powered ro-ro vessels on the corridor.

Luc Arnouts, VP International networks, Port of Antwerp-Bruges

The Port of Gothenburg is already in the early stages of developing operating regulations for a safe and efficient handling and bunkering of ammonia propelled vessels. We are also working on establishing an ammonia value chain, with the purpose of being able to facilitate everything needed for ammonia propelled vessels calling and bunkering in the port on a regular basis in 2030 and beyond.

Patrik

Benrick, Head of Strategic Development & Innovation, Port of Gothenburg

ROAD FREIGHT

A system of transporting goods by road.

Related topics

Groupage

Couriers

Last mile

Sponsored by

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED: PALLETLINE ACHIEVES FULL MEMBERSHIP ACROSS THE UK & IRELAND

Leading palletised freight distribution network Palletline has achieved full membership across the UK and Ireland.

Following the recruitment of more than 35 haulage specialists to the network over the past five years, Palletline has eliminated the use of subcontractors and improved profitability for its fully member-owned network.

Its complete member coverage also safeguards high standards of service to end customers as all members have signed up to a minimum two-year notice period, ensuring stability and consistency across the network.

Spearheaded by the Network Team, which is headed up by Network and Operations Director, Glenn Baker, the initiative entered its final stages in 2023 with IT, Business Information and Commercial teams collaborating to identify and develop opportunities for Palletline.

Glenn said: Palletline’s reputation for quality and service has been a key factor in attracting so many high-quality transport companies to the network. The elimination of subcontractors not only significantly reduces operational cost, but with every region now covered by a full member, our consistently high levels of service and customer experience have been maximised on a national scale. Thanks to the hard work of everyone involved, Palletline is now in a position that every other pallet network strives to achieve: total membership with zero use of subcontractors.

Palletline operates a multi-hub model, through which members collect pallets from local customers and exchange them at one of its strategically located regional hubs.

With full member coverage and volume levels across the sector predicted to rise by 3-4% year on year, Palletline is ideally positioned as it turns its attention to sustainable growth.

Glenn Baker continued: Our priority in 2023 was to secure the stability and integrity of the network and build on the strength of our membership model. Coupled with our track record for high service levels, which remain more than 2% above the industry average, our network offers unparalleled solutions for those seeking a reliable route to market for their goods.

6 JUNE 2024 | Source: PALLET-TRACK

MULTI-MILLION POUND TECH INVESTMENT PUTS PALLET-TRACK ON ROAD TO GROWTH

Pallet-Track is making a multi-million-pound investment in its technology to drive growth for its network and shareholder members.

The Wolverhampton-based pallet network will launch a series of major updates to its IT systems and tracking technology throughout 2024.

The investment will secure Pallet-Track’s position at the top of the market by increasing efficiency and future-proofing its growing network.

Pallet-Track’s technology overhaul will roll out during its 20th anniversary and coincides with the recent recruitment of several new shareholder members.

Providing the best possible customer experience is our number one priority and we are developing technological solutions that will enable us to continue to deliver that. Our shareholder members need new ways to improve the efficiency of their operations and we will help them to achieve this with full, real-time visibility on the location of vehicles and goods throughout the distribution process. This central visibility will also enable us to be more efficient at the Pallet-Track hubs, improve the management of vehicles through our hubs and have full awareness of potential delays. The new technology has undergone a rigorous testing process with our shareholder members to ensure it fully meets the needs of our network, which includes more than 90 independent hauliers.

Thomas Olsson, Chief Technical Officer, Pallet-Track

This is our biggest ever investment in technology and will mark PalletTrack's arrival as the sector disrupters. As the youngest pallet network, we are the most agile, enabling us to provide the best solution on the market, while being fully transparent and giving our fantastic network greater visibility and control.

Stuart Godman, CEO, Pallet-Track

Pallet-Track launched in 2004 with 46 shareholder members and handled 852 pallets during its first night of operation; it now moves 4m pallets per year.

EXPORT TO NORWAY?

ColliCare is a Norwegian Logistics company with a well-established office base across the world. We have now opened a UK office offering seamless solutions to and from Norway.

• Road freight

• Sea freight

• Air freight

• Customs clearance

• Distribution throughout Norway

• Warehousing Phone: +44 20 3747 0999. www.collicare.no

2 MAY 2024 | Source: BREEDON

BREEDON BOOSTS PRODUCTIVITY & CUTS TACHOGRAPH MANAGEMENT TIME WITH WEBFLEET

Construction materials giant Breedon has slashed the amount of time it spends on tachograph administration by 1,300 hours a year – thanks to Webfleet, Bridgestone’s globally trusted fleet management solution.

With 450 HGVs operating across more than 300 sites, the group provides asphalt, ready-mixed concrete and surfacing solutions within the UK and Ireland.

Webfleet’s Tachoshare Plus has helped Breedon re-coup the admin time by facilitating automatic daily remote downloads of both driver and vehicle tachograph data. Drivers and transport managers no longer need to travel to depots to complete vehicle downloads, saving them valuable time and maximising productivity by keeping the trucks on the road.

Truck-specific navigation is also saving time and boosting driver safety

With Webfleet’s HGV routing, we can set much more accurate routes avoiding low bridges, weight restrictions and narrow lanes. It also means we can give more accurate pricing estimates for delivery jobs.

Sarah Scothern, GM, Transport & Logistics, Breedon Group plc

With MANTIS camera integration on most trucks, the transport team can now access video evidence remotely, immediately after incidents, using the same Webfleet interface.

Far from being a Big Brother intrusion, the in-cab technology means we can support our drivers better. With Webfleet and the multicamera system, we can see the full picture, confirming, for example, that a driver was braking sharply to avoid a car cutting in, rather than driving dangerously.

Imagine the peace of mind for Breedon knowing they can swiftly access critical footage without sifting through endless hours of recordings. With our advanced camera technology seamlessly integrated into Webfleet, moments like sudden braking trigger automatic uploads, ensuring Breedon can react promptly. Additionally, they have the power to stream or download any footage directly from any camera memory system, free from traditional constraints. This streamlined process enables Breedon to swiftly obtain video evidence, so decisive action can be taken when required.

Matt Vass, Director of Channel and Product Marketing, Mantis

The company is analysing Webfleet data to identify incidents and event hot spots - and to gain insights into the root cause of problems. The investment has resulted in a significant insurance premium rebate in recognition of lower anticipated accident rates. Breedon has also set its sights on improving driver behaviour, leveraging Webfleet’s OptiDrive 360 driver feedback and reporting.

As well as setting challenging KPIs, we’re planning to introduce a driver of the year and most improved driver award, to help keep drivers incentivised to drive more safely and efficiently. In addition, we’re planning to integrate around 800 owner-drivers into the system, so wherever you work in the business, everyone will be measured against the same benchmark.

Webfleet’s powerful reporting suite will be integral to the company’s aim to achieve the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) Silver accreditation by the end of this year and net zero carbon emissions by 2038.

Our large fleet presents a significant opportunity for CO2 savings and is a key focus of our sustainability strategy. With Webfleet’s certified CO2 report, we can now accurately measure our CO2 emissions, confirming not just how much our vehicles are emitting, but also why and where.

A leading logistics business from Aintree is the latest member galloping to join Pallet-Track.

MSC Express in Liverpool, based just a stone’s throw from the world-famous horse racing venue, is odds on to offer service excellence in the ‘L’ postcode and the Isle of Man, which it will cover on behalf of the pallet network.

We joined Pallet-Track as being offered postcodes in Liverpool and the Isle of Man was an excellent opportunity for our company, and also demonstrates our commitment to providing a service that is second to none.

Mike Ackers, managing director, MSC Express

In preparation for joining Pallet-Track, MSC Express, which employs 33 members of staff, has invested in several new 18 tonne trucks, two new tractor units and two new double decker trailers.

It already handles 200 pallets a day and expects this to grow by 50 per cent with Pallet-Track membership. It has already taken on several new members of staff and multiple drivers since becoming a delivery-only Pallet-Track depot in December.

Our drivers are all experienced in pallet network deliveries and our success is testament to the hard work and commitment of all our staff. We believe in treating our customers’ freight like it’s our own and we are determined to fill our walls with awards from Pallet-Track.

Pallet-Track has an ever-growing network and the very welcome addition of MSC Express, a quality business who is fanatical about the customer experience, is a wonderful boost for our Shareholder Network. It is a win-win situation all round.

Stuart Godman, CEO, Pallet-Track

MSC Express is the fifth new member to join Pallet-Track in 2024.

Pallet-Track launched in 2004 with 46 members and handled 852 pallets during its first night of operation. Its shareholder network now includes more than 90 members, who collectively move four million pallets per year.

ROAD FREIGHT NEWS

FREIGHTCOVER INSURANCE EXPERTISE AT

Whether you’re a freight forwarder, moving general cargo, Freightcover.com makes the whole process a whole lot easier.

As an online brand of IMS Marine Insurance (IMS is the specialist Ocean Marine division of DRP Group, a British independent insurance broker) ,Freightcover has been operating for over ten years. Its website is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure a simplified user journey and second-to-none functionality.

Mark Evans, marine account manager at Freightcover, says: Our website enables clients – whether Freight Forwarders or general commercial shippers - to secure insurance for general items online, as well as download all documentation and make a claim. Should any cargo fall outside our extensive list of ‘standard’ items, we always advise contacting a member of the Freightcover team. Their expertise ensures that the policy purchased is fit for purpose.

With general customers able to access insurance quotes without creating an account, Freight Forwarders are given password protected log in details which enables them to receive additional benefits.

Mark Evans continues: We are totally committed to supporting the needs of the Logistics industry, and can offer extensive commercial cover including Freight liability which is a requirement as membership for trade associations such as BIFA. If a customer springs something new on us, we do everything in our power to adapt or extend our service to accommodate their needs. Uniquely in the industry, we also offer freight forwarders a 15% discount on all premiums booked via Freightcover, enabling them to generate income from each shipment insured.

Whilst details of a claim can be completed on the simplified website, cases are still managed by the company’s dedicated and expert claims team who then liaise directly with the client to provide updates on progress and work to achieve an equitable resolution.

Mark adds: The experience of IMS as specialist marine cargo insurance brokers, has enabled Freightcover to simplify often complex insurance business into an easy-to-use online portal which fits into the day-to-day processes of a freight forwarder. Transforming the purchase of insurance, Freightcover is all about helping get the job done efficiently and effectively.

www.freightcover.com

Transport

A. Plessas

Customers

Growth We

19 JUNE 2024

EDWIN C FARRALL TRANSPORT PARTNERS WITH HVS FOR GROUNDBREAKING HYDROGEN FUEL CELL TRUCK TRIAL

Edwin C Farrall Transport aims for net zero carbon by 2050 through a strategic partnership with HVS

Trials of HVS’ Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (HFCEV) to start in late 2025

Partnership will explore suitability of zero-emission HGV technology for possible adoption onto their fleet

Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS), the UK's first Hydrogen Fuel Cell truck OEM, has entered into a strategic collaboration with Edwin C Farrall Transport Ltd (Farrall’s Group) to explore the integration of Hydrogen Fuel Cell HGVs into the Farrall’s fleet.

Farrall’s Group is a third-generation family transportation company based in the northwest, and with a clear focus on delivering a sustainable road map of carbon emission reduction and management, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with HVS to commit to zero emission commercial vehicle trials.

Our team is continually looking at ways to reduce and improve our environmental emissions output. We all have a responsibility to look after our environment and as a family we are extremely conscious we must set a responsible example for all to follow. Our partnership with HVS allows us to explore the benefits of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and helps us to deliver a greener running fleet to improve our impact on local communities.

Matthew Farrall, Managing Director, Farrall’s Group

The MOA outlines the partnership's objective to provide the Farrall’s Group with HVS hydrogen fuel cell HGVs when these groundbreaking zero-emission vehicles become available for trial in late 2025. The sharing of vehicle data, TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) modelling, route planning, infrastructure support and performance optimisation are just some of the benefits of the MOA partnership.

Here at HVS, our focus is on collaborating with transport and logistics providers to help them achieve their net zero targets. We are closely aligned to the climate aims of the Farrall family and are looking forward to supporting them on their net-zero journey. Our close cooperation with the hydrogen supply chain will ensure that our vehicles offer a highly competitive TCO by supporting with the most appropriate hydrogen infrastructure for the organisation, and providing a zero-emission fuel cell vehicle that offers heavier payloads, longer range, and faster refuelling compared to battery electric alternatives.

John McLeister, Chief Commercial Officer, HVS

HVS aims to revolutionise the heavy-duty commercial vehicle industry. Their state-of-the-art powertrain solution, designed as a native Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) from the ground up, promises superior efficiency, outstanding performance, and a reduced environmental impact.

Ahaulage alliance between Davies Turner and D.Perfect & Sons, that is celebrating its tenth anniversary, is proving to be a wise and mutually beneficial deal for both parties.

Recognised as one of the UK’s leading independent freight forwarding and logistics companies, Davies Turner said the alliance with D.Perfect & Sons, which specialises in general haulage and container transport, provides it with a dedicated HGV fleet to move consol containers between its regional distribution centre in Dartford and the ports of Felixstowe, London Gateway and Southampton.

With the domestic and international haulage market still in a difficult situation, with issues over a lack of drivers, port congestion; and forward bookings, this alliance is providing surety of service for Davies Turner's international ocean freight import and export consol services.

We find that merchant haulage, which our alliance with D.Perfect & Sons offers, enables us to book haulage in advance and guarantees that the tractor unit will be available when and where we want it. It helps us to secure timely transport of our clients’ consol containers, enabling us to deliver the flexibility, timeliness and reliability that they require.

Tony Cole, director of Davies Turner & Co Ltd & head of the company’s ocean freight operations

Davies Turner is one of our largest customers and an excellent partner. It is really pleasing that our relationship continues to develop and grow. To mark our ten-year working relationship we have recently had one of our Volvo FH5 tractor units that we have added to our fleet sign written with Davies Turner’s corporate livery.

Dave Perfect , Managing Director, D.Perfect & Sons

Cole concludes: Davies Turner places great value on long term alliances and partnerships, and believes that an alliance like that with D.Perfect & Sons helps to differentiate it from many of its peers in the freight and logistics sector.

29 APRIL 2024 | Source: EUROPA

EUROPA & DPD NETHERLANDS DRIVE TOWARDS A GREENER FUTURE

Europa Road has announced an important new contract with DPD Netherlands, which will see the introduction of HVO-100 fuel (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) replacing diesel on a new routes for the operator.

In support of its drive to increase the sustainability of its operations, Europa Road is operating new, daily linehauls from the Netherlands to the UK for DPD Netherlands, which will run exclusively on HVO-100 fuel.

This strategic transition comes at a time when EU countries and the UK are announcing new targets for the road freight industry as a part of ETS2 (Emissions Trading System), which calls for operators to bring emissions down by 42 per cent by 2030, compared to 2005 levels.

DPD Netherlands recently welcomed the plans of its parent company, GeoPost / DPD Groups, for a net zero commitment by 2040, which is 10 years ahead of the climate agreement requirements. This commitment highlights the company’s goal for a greener, more sustainable operation. The Dutch operation is on track to meet these targets with DPD previously announcing it would deliver emission-free in the 45 largest cities in the Netherlands by 2025.

As the UK’s dedicated European road freight division for fast-growing logistics operator Europa Worldwide Group, Europa Road is making progress developing and implementing its own environmental agenda, despite the massive challenges for the logistics industry.

Stuart McKie, Regional Manager for Europa Road, explains how the company plans to adopt the use of HVO-100 on DPD movements:

Phase one of the implementation is for the e-commerce linehauls flowing from Netherlands (Eindhoven) to the UK (Hinckley). This consists of two trailers per day, five days a week. We have committed to replacing 30,000 KMs worth of diesel fuel with HVO-100, a major condition of this important new contract with DPD Netherlands.

According to Nationwide Fuels, HVO-100 fuel reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to 90 per cent, particulate matter emissions by up to 84 per cent and nitrous oxide emissions by up to 27 per cent. This diesel alternative is a biodegradable, nontoxic fuel solution made from 100 per cent raw material, providing a direct replacement for on road and off-road diesel.

I have been in this business for over 15 years, and what I am most excited about right now is our journey to transition away from fossil fuels. Currently, our Netherlands to UK operation completes more than 176,000KMs per year. I predict that by the end of Q2 2024, 50 per cent of all linehauls out of DPD Netherlands will be running on HVO fuel. I am happy that Europa Road will be operating two full loads a day from the Netherlands to the UK, which represents 1,300 KM a day, 350,00KM per year on HVO fuel.

Maurice Loef, Linehaul Director, DPD Netherlands

Europa’s new contract marks the next step in its sustainable journey as the operator works with various environmental experts to ensure the actions taken create a long-lasting and impactful benefit. In 2023, Europa announced its partnership with Microlise, the cutting-edge telematics and fleet management solution and with Pledge - the leading greenhouse gas reporting and offsetting platform for logistics. With more exciting news to follow later in the year, today’s announcement forms the basis of a strong and collaborative force for good between two giants in the European road freight industry.

Comprehensive

RAIL & INTERMODAL

The use of railroads and trains to transport cargo, as opposed to human passengers.

Related topics Belt & Road Initiative

HS2 Rail terminals and depots

NEW RAIL FREIGHT APP

AIMS TO USE SPARE CAPACITY TO TAKE TRAFFIC OFF ROADS

A new app aims to move freight traffic off the roads by making use of spare capacity on the rail network

RailX – described as a ‘Trainline for rail freight’ – makes it easy to book rail and associated services including first and final mile road deliveries. It is currently focused on serving Yorkshire businesses and the freight forwarders who serve them and offers a full port to door service.

The company has now secured a £150,000 loan from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, to enable it to expand its reach to target firms outside of Yorkshire, further develop its app and cope with the growing demand for its services.

RailX was developed after Steve Freeman, the former Managing Director of Doncaster’s rail terminal iPort Rail, and Rail Consultant Paul Bathgate recognised that commercial train services typically run at least 25% below capacity. They joined forces with digital expert Tom Ciullo and finance director Ian Waring to launch the app in November last year. The company, which currently has a seven-strong team including five directors and two employees, expects to create six new roles in the year ahead.

Around 90 per cent of UK freight is moved by road, which means that on any given day there are the equivalent of 20 empty trains running on the rail network. Part of the problem is that it is often difficult for smaller companies, or those unable to contract large volumes, to access and book space on trains. Our easy-to-use app takes the pain out of

buying rail freight. Per container, rail uses on average 76 per cent less carbon than road haulage. As it requires only one driver for up to 40 containers, it is far less labour intensive and can be cheaper and more reliable. By optimising the existing rail capacity, we can start to bring down costs, increase demand and encourage the modal shift to more sustainable transport solutions.

Paul Bathgate, founder, RailX

We're proud to support innovative businesses like RailX as it embarks on its growth journey. The Fund has been a catalyst for RailX’s business operations, and it is now prepared to expand its market reach beyond Yorkshire. This investment not only drives innovation in the business but creates valuable employment opportunities, underscoring our commitment to fostering economic prosperity in Yorkshire and beyond.

Keira Shepperson, Investment Director, the British Business Bank

Andy McKenna, Access to Finance Advisor for the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub, provided fundraising advice to the company.

The current NPIF investment phase has now completed with the British Business Bank launching the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II in March 2024.

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.

6 MAY 2024 | Source: GEBRÜDER WEISS

GEBRÜDER WEISS & RAIL CARGO GROUP: THREE DECADES OF COLLABORATION

Gebrüder Weiss and Rail Cargo Group (RCG) celebrate 30 years of cooperation / CEO Wolfram Senger-Weiss and RCG board member Christoph Grasl christen anniversary locomotive in Vienna / 170 years of rail expertise at Gebrüder Weiss

The international transport and logistics company Gebrüder Weiss and the ÖBB Rail Cargo Group have been working together for three decades. To mark this anniversary, Wolfram Senger-Weiss, CEO of Gebrüder Weiss, and Christoph Grasl, member of the management board of the ÖBB Rail Cargo Group, celebrated together with numerous guests at the Vienna Central Station on May 6. The highlight of the event was the ceremonial christening and commissioning of the jointly designed Taurus locomotive named Europa . The anniversary locomotive will operate on routes across Central Europe.

Long tradition in rail freight

Gebrüder Weiss was one of the pioneers of rail freight transport in Austria more than 170 years ago, explained Wolfram Senger-Weiss.

Long before trucks took over the majority of freight transport, rail transport was part of our core business, he emphasized to the guests. Starting with small transports between Lindau and Munich in 1853, Gebrüder Weiss continuously expanded its rail freight services over the next 170 years. One example is the subsidiary company GW Rail Cargo. Based in Maria Lanzendorf near Vienna, the rail freight forwarding company organizes rail transports throughout Europe for international companies. Every year, up to 1.5 million tons of goods are transported in around 1,000 block trains to recipients in central Europe. The goods include mineral oil, chemicals, gases, agricultural products, and steel.

Orange Combi Cargo: a success story of partnership

A milestone in the partnership with the Rail Cargo Group is the Orange Combi Cargo (OCC), a block train that has been running daily for 16 years between Vienna, Wels, Hall i.T. and Bludenz. It provides a stable, environmentally friendly transportation solution within Austria, transporting food and beverages, drugstore products and building materials among others. It replaces approximately 60 truck trips per day, avoiding around 9,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year.

The Orange Combi Cargo is a prime example of our cooperation. Thanks to the OCC, we have shifted more than 240,000 truck journeys from road to rail since 2008, sums up Christoph Grasl, member of the management board of ÖBB Rail Cargo Group. With every ton that we transport by rail with Gebrüder Weiss, we benefit the environment.

Working together for climate-friendly freight transport

A significant proportion of rail transport consists of transit traffic, particularly between western ports such as Rotterdam and Hamburg on the one hand and the Adriatic ports on the other. Stable networks and partnerships such as the one with the Rail Cargo Group are essential for Gebrüder Weiss in shifting transports over to rail.

PROJECT CARGO

The transportation of large, heavy, high-value or critical (to the project they are intended for) pieces of equipment.

Related topics

Heavy lift

Abnormal load

OOG (out of gauge)

Sponsored by

GEODIS OFFERS PROJECT SHIPPERS A COMPLIANT & SECURE SERVICE

Global logistics provider GEODIS showcased its Project Logistics services at Breakbulk Europe in Rotterdam (May 21st to 23rd). Tailored to individual complex, oversized and extra-heavy transport challenges its 550 specialists in thirty-five countries pride themselves on a service featuring expert governance and exceptionally security throughout every journey.

GEODIS’ Project Logistics entity serves the needs of customers across multiple industries including military and defense, energy, petrochemicals, renewables, mining, rail, and infrastructure, which require specialist handling of challenging loads utilizing air, ocean, inland waterways, road, and rail.

GEODIS’ extensive global network ensures meticulous care in customizing and implementing end-to-end transportation solutions, backed by robust and accurate tracking technologies in a zero-harm environment.

At Breakbulk Europe industry experts Luke Mace, Global Senior Vice President for Project Logistics, Amanda Bouin, Global Senior Director of Energy, and Michael Giling, Project Logistics Regional Director Europe, among a host of other GEODIS professionals will be on hand at Booth 2F 31 (Hall 2) to explain in detail the capabilities of one of the leading logistics providers to the international project forwarding sector.

Project Logistics is part of Global Freight Forwarding, one of four Lines of Business that comprise GEODIS, the others being Global Contract Logistics, Distribution and Express Transport, and European Road Network. All act as a growth partner to customers across over 170 countries around the world. In 2023 GEODIS generated €11.6 billion in revenue ranking it No.5 among operators in the logistics sector.

ABE LEDBURY JOINS THE HAZCHEM NETWORK

Transport and logistics specialist ABE Ledbury is adding another string to its bow by joining The Hazchem Network, the UK’s only hazardous goods pallet and parcel network

The Palletline Logistics-owned company is taking on the work of two former members of The Hazchem Network, covering the HR, LD, SY7-8 and GL14-19 postcodes. The new service has now gone live.

By joining network ABE can now extend its offering, carrying anything from paints to cylinders of flammable gases.

Twelve ABE drivers have been assigned to transport The Hazchem Network goods and are undergoing extensive training to gain ADR accreditation (Accord Dangerous Routier – the European Agreement concerning the transport of hazardous goods).

The company has also equipped some of its vehicles to ensure they are ADR-ready – installing fire extinguishers, orange plates and equipping the drivers with specialist gear such as kit bags, respirators, shovels and spill kits.

ABE Ledbury will also be able to call on further support and advice as needed from Palletline’s own Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor.

Founded in 2005 The Hazchem Network transports more than 2,000 pallets and parcels throughout the UK mainland and islands every night. The network also covers 27 European countries.

Clive Brooks, Managing Director of ABE, said by serving a very rural area there was great potential for the new service to help secure new business, such as from companies providing the farming community with fertiliser and other flammable goods.

Clive said: This new service will potentially be of benefit to new customers as well as our existing customers. Most companies prefer their consignments to be transported by as few carriers as possible. So, by joining The Hazchem Network we are creating new opportunities with customers we may previously have not been able to support. When dealing with new prospects we can say we are able to transport a wide range of consignments and can now add hazardous goods to the list. It is a great way to diversify our offering.

ABE has a reputation for providing a fantastic service and looking after its customers. We have seen how Clive and his team have prepared for joining the network and we have no doubt that ABE will prove a to be great member.

Rob Symes, MD, Hazchem Network

With more than 60 members, all of which are full-ADR hauliers and are backed-up by the support of the Hazchem Emergency Response Service (HERS) and the central hub, The Hazchem Network provides a reliable and secure means for moving chemicals throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe.

Palletline is the UK's first premium palletised freight distribution company, operating right across the nation and Europe. Our carefully selected members work collaboratively to provide the best possible services to each of our customers.

From our launch in 1992, Palletline has revolutionised the way pallets are transported, through our forward-thinking approach to development and ‘hub and spoke’ distribution method. Palletline and innovation go hand-in-hand; we are constantly embracing new technologies and improving our business models to increase the speed and efficiency of our services, whilst helping to reduce pallet delivery costs for each of our customers.

Today, Palletline continues to reinvent the industry standard; combining the highest levels of customer service with industry leading innovation, such as our custom Contrado technology.

Palletline’s Logistics Business consists of eight transport businesses; Mike Watson Transport, ABE Ledbury, S&S Distribution, Fast Forward Distribution, Palletline London, Palletline Whitehead, Palletline Northeast and Ningbo Wrexham.

PORTS & HUBS

Any place where goods are allowed to pass, by water or land, into and out of a country and where customs officers are stationed to inspect or appraise imported goods | logistics hubs where goods are stored under ideal conditions, for onward distribution.

Related topics

Cargo handling

Container terminals

Drayage

Warehousing

Pick ‘n’ pack

& TOWNSEND

TURNER & TOWNSEND TO SUPPORT THE RE-DEVELOPMENT OF ARDERSIER PORT

Following the recent financial investment decision and secured funding for the re-development of the Ardersier Port, Scotland; Turner & Townsend will continue to work as strategic project and commercial management advisor to port owner, Haventus, as the project moves into the construction delivery phase.

After an initial investment of £300m from energy investment firm Quantum Capital Group in 2023, Haventus has secured a further £100m joint credit facility from the Scottish National Investment Bank and UK Infrastructure Bank.

As the UK’s largest brownfield port, which is located around 14 miles (16km) east of Inverness, the site will continue to be redeveloped to enable the deployment of offshore wind installations to the North Sea. This will include capability for large scale manufacturing and assembly, and logistics, storage and marshalling of offshore wind components.

Alongside this, the Port’s regeneration will help boost the surrounding economy by using local supply chains where possible, creating homegrown jobs during construction and operation, as well as assisting the UK on its journey to net zero.

Turner & Townsend has been working closely with Haventus from the early stages of the project, delivering project and commercial management and project controls services. The global consultancy will undertake the role of commercial and project management strategic advisor to Haventus as well as provide overall project assurance and coordination of the phase 1 programmes. This all sits alongside the business’ provision of full risk management services and ongoing strategic advice.

The renewable energy sector is an area of huge growth and opportunity for the UK; and the regeneration of the port will play a vital role in enabling Scotland to meet its net-zero aspirations. This appointment strengthens our longstanding experience in delivering Scottish infrastructure and we are excited to be involved in regenerating the port to its former glory.

Steven Jackson, Infrastructure Director, Scotland, Turner & Townsend

MAJOR SCOTTISH EXPORT TERMINAL INVESTS £750,000 TO BOOST REFRIGERATED CARGO

The Port of Greenock has expanded its reefer point infrastructure from 32 to 220, significantly enhancing its refrigerated cargo storage and distribution capacity

Scottish exporters of perishable goods are set to benefit from a £750,000 investment into reefer point infrastructure at the Port of Greenock, which marks a significant upgrade to the country’s refrigerated cargo capabilities.

The substantial increase in reefer points, from 32 to 220, solidifies the port’s position as a leading hub for refrigerated and frozen cargo on the west coast. It will significantly increase ease of access to global markets for food and drink manufacturers, with commodities like seed potatoes, meats, fish, fruit and vegetables and dairy products directly benefiting from the upgrades.

The expansion also brings huge benefits to pharmaceuticals manufacturers, the agriculture industry and other enterprises dealing with temperature-sensitive goods.

The investment has facilitated various upgrades, including the addition of a new substation to the port's network, the construction of new purpose-built reefer gantries, and the upgrade of existing reefer facilities.

The expanded reefer points infrastructure at the Port of Greenock offers a range of benefits to manufacturers, cargo owners, freight forwarders, and shipping lines alike, including opening up alternative routes to market and additional capacity to export larger volumes of refrigerated cargo.

The expansion also eliminates the need for diesel generators, helping exporters to reduce the carbon emissions produced by their operations.

This significant investment into the Port of Greenock’s reefer points infrastructure underscores our commitment to providing world-class facilities to support the needs of our customers in Scotland. We are excited about the opportunities this investment brings for businesses involved in exporting perishable goods, especially at a time when demand for temperature-sensitive goods is growing. We look forward to playing an even bigger role in Scotland’s export success.

Jim McSporran, Port Director, Peel Ports Clydeport

Craig Scrimgeour, Scotland Director at Drac Logistics, a firm which supports the import and export of perishable foods across the world, said:

We’re really pleased to hear about this reefer investment at the Port of Greenock ahead of the imminent arrival of its two new ship-to-shore cranes later this year. This will significantly increase our ability to store and transfer our cargo, as well as our access to global markets. It’s really positive news for import and export companies across the country, and we believe it will support and attract new services into Scotland’s only deep water container port.

PORTS & HUBS NEWS

NEW 1.5 ACRE HOME FOR FAST-GROWING TRAILER FREIGHT INTERNATIONAL

A West Midlands logistics firm has invested more than £1m in a move to a new 1.5-acre premises and doubled the size of its fleet following a period of rapid growth.

Trailer Freight International (TFI) has moved to a new headquarters in Navigation Way, West Bromwich, after outgrowing its previous 10,000 sq. ft site in Walsall.

Such has been the speed of its growth that it has upsized again just three years after moving to the Walsall depot from its original home, which was also in Walsall. It has also increased its fleet to 18 vehicles, up from its original nine.

TFI director Allan Collins said a huge part of the company’s success is down to its shareholder membership of the Wolverhampton-based Pallet-Track network, which it joined in September 2021.

The hub-and-spoke network enables TFI to work with other independent haulage companies to transport goods nationwide in an efficient way.

Allan said: Our recent growth is an enormous success story and we have been able to achieve it while keeping our roots firmly within the Black Country, just a few miles from the M6 and M5. This growth has come off the back of our Pallet-Track membership – our team are doing an excellent job with the Pallet-Track work, and it has really paid off. It is testament to how quickly we have grown that we are on the move again less than three years after taking on our last new premises. The future is looking bright for TFI.

TFI was established in 1983 operating daily freight services to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, with two employees and a 5,000 sq. ft warehouse using sub-contracted transport.

It now boasts a thriving international freight forwarding division and was sold to Northern Ireland-based logistics firm Express Distribution Services in 2015.

The success of Trailer Freight International is a wonderful example of the transformative impact joining a network can have. We support our shareholder members, and our members support us – it is the perfect example of a partnership which delivers remarkable results for both sides. I’m sure TFI’s move to its new headquarters will be a hugely productive one and I look forward to sharing in its future successes.

Stuart

Godman, CEO, Pallet-Track

Rhenus High Tech UK, part of Rhenus Logistics UK, the global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, has confirmed it will now operate the company’s Manchester warehouse jointly with its sister companies Rhenus Road Freight UK and Rhenus Air & Ocean UK. The move will see Rhenus bringing all logistics services under one roof for enhanced customer service.

Designed to meet growing client needs, warehousing capacity has been expanded at the Eccles site to incorporate additional racking and enhanced camera technology for Rhenus High Tech UK. Built in 2017, the site features 16 dock level doors, including two designated for high cube trailers, along with one level access door. Rhenus High Tech UK has implemented 16 racking runs, incorporating multiple wide bay racks, accommodating space for 1,880 pallets, in addition to 60 floor pallet spaces on site. This additional space will allow Rhenus High Tech UK to be more flexible when it comes to meeting customer requirements according to demand.

The move brings enhanced expertise, collaboration, and highquality service under one roof, with the site fully prepared to meet a diverse selection of customer needs, said Graham Barrow and Carsten Braune, Co-Managing Directors of Rhenus High Tech UK.

We are delighted to move from Trafford Park to this modern Rhenus ‘design and build’ facility in Eccles. As part of this new, energy efficient facility, we are well positioned to expand our capabilities into the ever-growing tech community throughout the UK and Europe.

Europe‘s leading specialist in high-tech logistics, Rhenus High Tech delivers technically sophisticated products to the point of use where they are installed by trained technicians. In addition to technical distribution solutions, the specialist company offers customised service concepts via its network of experienced professionals, roll-out management, demo equipment management, upstream and downstream repair, and maintenance services.

As an established provider, Rhenus High Tech is one of the driving forces in high tech logistics and the market leader in this specialised segment. Sectors served by Rhenus High Tech include banking and retail, health tech, surgery and robotics, life sciences, IT and data, power systems, telecommunications, fitness, digital kiosk, and access control.

14 MAY 2024 | Source: RHENUS HIGH TECH UK

RHENUS HIGH TECH UK JOINS WAREHOUSE FACILITY

Digitalisation:

SRILANKAN CARGO

PARTNERS WITH CARGOAI TO ENHANCE AIRFREIGHT

BOOKING & PAYMENT EXPERIENCE

SriLankan Cargo, the cargo arm of SriLankan Airlines, has partnered with CargoAi, a leader in digital freight solutions, to simplify and enhance its airfreight booking and payment processes, and bring more transparency and velocity for users than ever.

The integration of SriLankan Cargo’s airfreight services into CargoAi’s ecosystem gives users access to online booking and instant cross-border payment capabilities, while allowing SriLankan Cargo to increase its reach and support forwarders that were previously untapped.

CargoAi’s integration with SriLankan Cargo also streamlines payment processes by offering multiple payment methods, ranging from local transfers to credit card payments, removing the reliance on cash payments and enhancing security and efficiency in financial transactions. Additionally, CargoAi’s CargoWALLET platform facilitates the reconciliation process, automating tasks that were previously manual and time-consuming.

For freight forwarders, the integration also means that they no longer need to provide a bank guarantee or pay yearly subscriptions. Everything is seamlessly integrated with CargoMART, simplifying operations and reducing overhead costs, allowing forwarders to focus on core business operations without the burden of administrative complexities.

Our partnership with CargoAi marks another significant stride in our digitalization journey, aimed at expanding our horizons. We will be able to enhance the visibility of our inventory and offer customers a convenient airfreight booking experience. We are looking forward to extending our market reach and engaging with businesses of all scales with CargoAi.

Chaminda Perera , Head of Cargo, SriLankan Airlines

Matt Petot, CEO of CargoAi, also expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, Our collaboration with SriLankan Cargo marks a significant milestone in our mission to revolutionize the air cargo industry. By leveraging technology to streamline processes and enhance user experience, we are paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable future in airfreight logistics.

This partnership underscores the commitment of both SriLankan Cargo and CargoAi in driving innovation and delivering unparalleled value to their customers. Together, they are reshaping the airfreight landscape and setting new standards for efficiency, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

TECH & DIGITALISATION EXPERTS

The freight forwarding industry stands on the brink of a significant transformation. Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are redefining how goods are moved, stored, and tracked globally. As a professional in logistics, understanding and leveraging these technological advancements is crucial. Embracing AI and automation not only streamlines operations but also enhances efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction.

Streamlining Operations with AI

AI plays a pivotal role in optimising logistics operations. Intelligent algorithms can analyse vast amounts of data to forecast demand, manage inventory, and plan routes more efficiently. This predictive capability allows you to stay ahead of potential disruptions and ensure timely deliveries.

Automated systems can handle routine tasks such as data entry, document processing, and customer inquiries. By reducing manual intervention, you can minimise errors and free up valuable human resources for more strategic activities. This shift towards automation leads to a more responsive and agile supply chain.

Enhancing Decision-Making

Data-driven decision-making is at the heart of AI in logistics. Machine learning models can identify patterns and trends that may not be immediately apparent to human analysts. By integrating AI into your decision-making processes, you gain deeper insights into operational performance and potential improvement areas.

Real-time data analytics enables you to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and respond swiftly to changes in the market. This proactive approach ensures that your logistics operations remain adaptable and resilient, capable of meeting the demands of a dynamic environment.

Improving Customer Experience

AI and automation significantly enhance the customer experience. Automated tracking systems and supply chain management software provide real-time updates on shipment status, allowing customers to track their orders with ease. This transparency builds trust and keeps your clients informed throughout the delivery process.

Incorporating quality technology into your operations, such as the options offered by Balloon One, can streamline communication and coordination. These tools facilitate seamless interactions between various stakeholders, ensuring that customer needs are met promptly and efficiently. A more connected and responsive supply chain leads to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Reducing Costs and Increasing Efficiency

Cost reduction is a key benefit of integrating AI and automation in logistics. Automated systems can identify inefficiencies and suggest costsaving measures, such as optimising fuel consumption and reducing idle times. These improvements contribute to lower operational expenses and higher profit margins. Automation also boosts efficiency by accelerating processes that would otherwise be time-consuming. For example, automated sorting systems in warehouses can handle large volumes of goods quickly and accurately, reducing the time required for manual sorting. This speed and precision translate to faster turnaround times and improved service levels.

Ensuring Sustainability

Sustainability is an increasingly important consideration in logistics. AI and automation can help you achieve greener operations by optimising routes to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Predictive maintenance systems can also ensure that your fleet operates at peak efficiency, minimising environmental impact. Automated systems can also facilitate better resource management, reducing waste and promoting recycling. By adopting these technologies, you can align your logistics practices with environmental goals and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Conclusion

AI and automation are revolutionising the freight forwarding industry. By streamlining operations, enhancing decision-making, improving customer experience, reducing costs, and ensuring sustainability, these technologies offer a comprehensive solution to modern logistics challenges. As a professional in the field, staying informed and embracing these advancements will position you at the forefront of the industry, ready to meet the demands of tomorrow’s logistics landscape.

Ella Woodward, Business Ella

TECH & DIGITALISATION

NEW WEBFLEET EV TRANSITION TOOL OFFERS AN INFORMED ROUTE TO ELECTRIFICATION

Webfleet, Bridgestone’s globally trusted fleet management solution, has launched the EV Transition Tool to support businesses transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) or expanding their EV fleets.

This innovative solution, the first resulting directly from the recently introduced EV Services Platform, promises to transform the way fleets approach electrification, helping them to meet sustainability targets and run efficient, reliable operations.

In collaboration with leaders from the energy and mobility industries, the Webfleet EV Transition Tool is designed to demystify and simplify the process of transitioning to electric vehicles using a single platform.

By leveraging their own fleet data, customers can assess their readiness for electrification, estimate the total cost of ownership (TCO) for going electric, the operational cost and CO2 savings.

Additionally, they can gain valuable insights into the most suitable EV models and the estimated charging infrastructure needed for their specific operations.

The tool not only simplifies the decision-making process for fleet managers but also allows them to directly reach out to leading energy and mobility service providers – partners of the EV Services Platform.

Initially, customers can directly connect to VEV, Heliox, The Mobility House, CTEK, Justplugin, ChargeGuru and Zeplug for end-to-end charging solutions across depots, workplaces and homes, streamlining the setup of charging infrastructure.

Our goal is to take the guesswork out of the EV transition for our customers, based on their own fleet data. By providing fleets of all sizes with a quick TCO estimation, they can kickstart their electrification journey without the need for time-consuming and costly consultancy. Users can then take the next steps to electrification, supported by our network of expert partners, directly accessible within the tool itself.

Taco Olthoff, EV Programme Director, Bridgestone Mobility Solutions

The introduction of the Webfleet EV Transition Tool marks a significant step forward in fleet electrification support. The solution utilises fleet data for customised fleet electrification plans at no extra cost to European Webfleet customers subscribed to specific tariffs.

Available initially for cars and vans, with plans to expand its capabilities for further features and vehicle types, the Webfleet EV Transition Tool embodies Webfleet’s commitment to environmental sustainability and operational efficiency.

Keeping up with changing customer requirements, which is quickly moving online, can be a challenge for many logistics firms. Midland Pallet Trucks, the UK's leading supplier of material handling equipment, is addressing this challenge head-on with a range of innovative pallet trucks specifically designed for the demands of e-commerce fulfilment centres.

The growth of e-commerce has fundamentally transformed intralogistics within UK warehouses. Gone are the days of bulky, slowmoving equipment. Today's fulfilment centres need agile, space-saving solutions that can keep pace with the relentless flow of orders.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director, Midland Pallet Trucks

Midland Pallet Trucks offers a variety of pallet trucks designed for efficient order picking, the lifeblood of any e-commerce fulfilment centre. From high-quality hand pallet trucks and electric trucks, to

manual stacker trucks, the company stocks a wide range of equipment that are perfect for any logistics business trying to keep up with growing e-commerce demand.

By partnering with Midland Pallet Trucks, UK e-commerce businesses can gain a significant competitive edge. Midland's commitment to innovation ensures they offer a range of solutions perfectly suited to the fast-paced demands of the e-commerce industry.

At Midland Pallet Trucks, we understand that every e-commerce fulfilment centre has unique needs. We offer a comprehensive consultation process to assess specific requirements and recommend the optimal pallet truck solutions to optimise picking, packing, and shipping processes. By investing in efficient intralogistics, e-commerce businesses can ensure they deliver a seamless customer experience while maximising their profitability.

TECH & DIGITALISATION EXPERTS

Today’s UK supply chain security is highly vulnerable to a growing number of digital threats ranging from high-risk vendors to state-sponsored hackers. Ensuring the safety and stability of the supply chain requires addressing these threats and taking steps to defend against them. What types of supply chain cyberattacks are on the rise in the UK and how can businesses protect themselves?

Increasing third-party vulnerabilities

An increasing number of data breaches and cyberattacks on large organisations are leveraging vendors, suppliers and other third parties. The hackers target smaller organisations with weaker security and use them as a launch pad to breach larger businesses.

For example, in mid-2023, a hacker group successfully launched a cyber attack on payroll software developer Zellis. The hackers used the Zellis breach to access data from several much larger businesses including the BBC, British Airways, Boots and even the Metropolitan Police. This is often known as a “downstream” attack, a hacking strategy that’s become one of the biggest risks to the UK supply chain.

Hackers have learned that vendors and software providers are often weak links in wealthy targets’ security systems. For instance, attempting to hack directly into the servers of Amazon’s UK headquarters would be difficult for any cybercriminal, but hacking the network of a little-known logistics provider is much easier. Hackers have learned to identify these easy, yet connected targets to get around sophisticated cybersecurity protections.

The landscape of supply chain cyber-attacks is shifting. While UK businesses may have updated their in-house security, now they must address outward-facing weaknesses. Links with vendors are now a major vulnerability.

Businesses should take steps to verify the security of their supply chain partners and prevent hackers from moving “downstream” in the event of a breach. It doesn’t just apply to existing vendor relationships. In today’s threat landscape, cybersecurity audits should be part of planning the route to market, including selecting distributors and manufacturers around the world.

International ransomware risks

Another rising trend connected to vendor vulnerabilities is an increase in international cybersecurity threats, specifically with ransomware. The National Cyber Security Centre has reported a growing number of ransomware attacks originating from state-sponsored hackers, particularly groups based in or near Russia. These state-sponsored hackers pose a unique threat since they often have more funding and resources than a typical hacking group.

Additionally, state-sponsored hackers often have unique motivations based on ideology or politics rather than money. As a result, they may be less likely to offer victims a ransom option and simply destroy or steal their data outright. In fact, the nation-states financially backing these hackers may hire them for the express purpose of exfiltrating sensitive data.

State-sponsored hackers are also more likely to target critical infrastructure, including supply chain links. There are a few reasons for this. First, taking critical infrastructure offline can easily cause confusion, disruption and even danger for the general public. Additionally, critical infrastructure organisations can have highly valuable data in their servers that could be a risk to national security if compromised.

Evolving threat landscape

Improving UK supply chain security is more important today than ever before due in part to the rapidly advancing threat landscape. Over the past few years, new technologies have significantly expanded what hackers at all levels are capable of, from amateurs working alone to large hacking groups.

AI in particular poses a serious threat to the supply chain. The generative AI algorithms available to the general public are capable of an amazing range of tasks, but they can also be leveraged for cybercrime. For example, hackers can now craft convincing phishing emails in any language, even if they do not speak it themselves.

Hackers can use AI-generated content to infiltrate supply chain communications. For example, they could impersonate a supplier or vendor over email correspondence and gain access to a business’s data or employee information. Hackers can also leverage this tactic as part of a larger campaign, such as a downstream attack on a poorly secured vendor.

Even without AI, hackers are finding new ways to infiltrate supply chain communications to compromise security. For instance, hackers can breach legitimate websites and use remote access malware to distribute more malware through that website. This is known as a “watering hole” attack. In the supply chain, attacks like these can target online vendor marketplaces, popular industry websites, logistics platforms and more.

What is the solution?

Is there any way to curb the rising rates of supply chain cyber-attacks? Addressing today’s complex threat landscape requires widespread change from UK supply chain businesses as well as government leaders. Focusing on a few main vulnerabilities can help businesses strengthen their defences.

Vendor security is arguably the most pressing issue in UK supply chain security today. Industry leaders have pointed out that many vendors force their customers to pay for maximum security, particularly for SaaS products. This creates a situation where businesses are allowed to knowingly opt for weak security, potentially under the assumption that it is adequate.

Moving forward, supply chain businesses should be cautious about working with vendors that use this weak approach to security. Every partnership at any level of the supply chain should be considered a potential security risk and taken seriously. Securing systems like vendor portals and email accounts can help shore up vulnerabilities.

Additionally, supply chain businesses need to make ransomware defence a top priority. It has become the primary tool all types of hackers are using in supply chain cyber-attacks. Adopting a zero-trust security model and a robust, secure data backup system can help fortify organisations against ransomware.

Improving UK supply chain security

Supply chain cyber attacks are on the rise all over the world, but the UK is at particularly high risk. Today’s threat landscape includes vulnerable vendor security, state-sponsored hackers and ever-evolving technologies like AI. Updating security protocols to defend against these risks is crucial for ensuring the safety and stability of the UK’s supply chain.

Emily Newton, contributing writer, Revolutionized.com

WHY UK SUPPLY CHAIN CYBERSECURITY NEEDS AN URGENT UPGRADE

TECH & DIGITALISATION

THE LETTERVERSE: DIGITAL TWINS HELP POSTAL & LOGISTICS COMPANIES PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

Outside of fantasy novels, nobody has a crystal ball to see into the future. However, postal services and logistics companies are building digital twins to achieve just that. Powered by data-driven virtual models that can simulate real-world operations, digital twins are allowing the sector to predict the future and plan for it.

Alexandra Ballestrem, Key Account Director, and Roosmarijn Schopman, Proposition Manager at Prime Vision, explore how digital twins are providing unparallelled foresight in logistics operations.

Reducing uncertainty

Postal and logistics processes are beholden to a multitude of factors, many of which are outside the control of a business. With customer expectations regarding speed of delivery at an all-time high, maintaining service levels during operational shocks is a constant challenge, as nobody knows what’s coming next. Consequently, companies are looking for tools to mitigate uncertainty and assist in contingency planning.

Mature logistics operations are highly automated. Whenever a parcel or letter travels through a sorting centre, it is photographed, scanned and tracked by a wide array of equipment. This generates masses of data, which can be stored and analysed to offer insights into an operation. Increasingly, postal and logistics companies are using these data streams to build digital twins.

A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical object, or in this case, a process. By feeding real-world data into bespoke mathematic models that accurately reflect operations, owners of a digital twin can simulate how changing parameters can affect their business. With the masses of data required to drive the system already available from existing automation equipment, a digital twin allows almost limitless experimentation with minimal risk. While no crystal ball, it enables businesses to conduct effective contingency planning, and possibly more.

Contingency planning for every scenario

Take, for example, an increase in parcel or letter volumes. The key question is, are existing processes flexible enough to effectively manage this higher volume between current facilities? If not, is investment in a new sorting centre, equipment or staff required? Using a digital twin, businesses can feed increased parcel and letter volumes into the models, testing operations to get an answer. A new sorting centre will require at least five years to offer return on investment (ROI), so having a data driven system to properly inform the decision is invaluable.

Unforeseen breakdowns are another event that can be modelled and mitigated by a digital twin. With postal services operating 20 to 80 hubs in a country depending on size, what would happen if one were to go down? This can be replicated in the digital twin and the effects observed. More than that, it allows businesses to proactively plan and strategize to keep downtime and delivery delays to a minimum. Using the simulation, operators can find the best way to spread volumes and reduce the impact, rather than carrying out a time-consuming postmortem after the event.

The virtual world exerting physical control

While these scenarios focus on sortation, digital twins have plenty more possibilities. Simulations can be carried out to test how to use available floorspace within a warehouse and discover new efficiencies. Companies using robots can replicate their entire fleet digitally and find ways to optimise movement within a facility. If the data is available, delivery vehicles can be included to predict how goods could travel between different sorting centres for processing.

With coverage over an entire operation, a digital twin can actively influence the physical world and open the door to dynamic sorting and self-organising logistics. By creating a virtual counterpart of letters, parcels and pallets, the digital twin can make automatic

decisions to adjust pick-ups, inbound goods, sorting and outbound deliveries to improve the speed, quality and flexibility of logistics processes. As a result, users can improve service while lowering operating and capital expenditure.

A

proven

partner for digital twins

Accessing the benefits of a digital twin is no easy task. First of all, a business must record as many physical events as possible via equipment in its facility. This helps to build a complete data set and deliver accurate predictions. With data collected and stored, a knowledgeable expert must turn customer process parameters and factors into working mathematical models and software. An analytical dashboard is also required to present results.

Prime Vision is an expert in building digital twins from the ground up. Its computer vision systems, analytical software, data storage solutions and robotics are embedded in the sortation process from start to finish, providing customers in its install-base with the data required to build an accurate simulation. Its digital twins are even compatible with products

from other vendors, ensuring widespread coverage. The company specialises in seamlessly integrating its automation products with existing customer infrastructure.

In all cases, Prime Vision can flexibly unite sporadic sources of data to build a functional and impactful digital twin. Its research and development engineers are adept at translating physical operations into working software models and providing an accurate digital representation of unique customer processes. This can be hosted within a customer environment or by Prime Vision, either at a premises or on the cloud.

For postal or logistics companies looking to take a proactive approach to contingency planning, a digital twin is essential to make the right predictions and decisions. By partnering with an expert like Prime Vision, these businesses have no need of a fortune teller to secure efficiency and future resilience.

TECH & DIGITALISATION EXPERTS

Despite big data and AI technologies continuing to transform many major industries across the globe, recent reports suggest that the UK’s transport and logistics industry may be falling behind other essential sectors. According to a recent multinational YouGov survey, only 50% of UK-based transport and logistics professionals utilise basic data analytics to enhance core operations, with only 25% leveraging AI technology to optimise decision-making capabilities.

When compared to figures from Germany and America, nations that the same report reveals to have achieved data analytics adoption rates of 41% and 63% respectively, it’s clear that the UK’s transport sector is facing significant issues regarding modernisation. With advanced AI systems now capable of dramatically improving essential tasks like demand forecasting, route optimisation and supply chain management, professionals must pursue transformation.

Obstacles to overcome

The cost of adoption and a lack of in-house expertise are currently believed to be the major obstacles preventing UK businesses from developing smart solutions. The above mentioned YouGov report suggests over 25% of UK-based logistics companies lack the required funds to pursue transformation, with 13% lacking the required internal skills to develop novel tools.

As a result, over 75% of UK companies claim any proposed adoption initiatives would need to be carried out by external providers, with professionals preferring to deploy readily made solutions rather than developing bespoke in-house technologies. This requirement may lead to increased costs, while also hindering any ability for teams to create truly custom solutions.

This is of particular importance as many of the benefits associated with the adoption of AI and data analytics tools relate to gaining actionable insights into unique operations. With aid from real-time and historic information, organisations can look to optimise specific aspects of essential processes to accurately assess inefficiencies and outmanoeuvre negative impacts.

Real-time visibility

The main case for increasing the adoption rate of data analytics and AI in the UK’s transport sector concerns real-time visibility. By automating the collection and analysis of high-quality information pertaining to all aspects of the supply chain, companies can measurably improve efficiencies in manufacturing, warehousing, transportation and almost all aspects of logistics.

Reviewing the six big losses in manufacturing framework helps to illustrate the importance of this pursuit, with the adoption of data analytics and AI systems helping to address all primary loss-causing events. Planned stops can be timed appropriately in reference to historical data and real-time scheduling, systemic losses can be better understood, production planning can be effectively optimised and entire warehousing operations can be intelligently automated.

These same benefits equally apply to wider aspects of transport and logistics. For example, demand forecasting supported by predictive analytics helps businesses avoid delays caused by commodity unavailability, while AI and machine learning algorithms can be used to adjust route planning processes in direct response to supply chain issues and transport disruptions.

Efforts to support adoption

Supporting and promoting the adoption of AI and data analytics in the UK transport sector will likely require considerable investment from the government, alongside concerted efforts from industry professionals to recalibrate the sector as a whole. At present, the government seems committed to funding developments in AI and tangentially related technologies across most major sectors, with £1.1 billion earmarked to fund qualifications in future technologies.

Additionally, efforts must be made to develop sustainable business practices positioned to support the initial adoption and continual growth of AI and data analytics technologies. This point was also raised in the aforementioned YouGov survey, with researchers uncovering a distinct lack of focus among UK logistics companies with regard to sustainability objectives.

The report found that 60% of UK logistics professionals believe their operations lack specific sustainability goals customised to support transport and logistics processes. Furthermore, at least 33% claim to have no current plans to define such goals. This is of particular interest as effectively adapting to the use of future technologies may act to enhance sustainability plans by helping businesses to rescue waste and carbon emissions through intelligent automation.

Finally, successful adoption initiatives will require a commitment to collaboration across all stakeholders from various backgrounds. This will include transport businesses, technology providers, industry partners and government agencies. Clear organisational structures and regulatory guidelines will need to be in place to ensure data is collected and handled in an appropriate and effective manner, with knowledge sharing and training initiatives prioritised.

Summary

As big data and AI technologies continue to shape the future of almost all major sectors, the UK’s transport and logistics industry must make efforts to modernise existing operations. By enhancing organisational processes with support from real-time data and advanced machine learning algorithms, stakeholders can address multiple common industry-wide inefficiencies.

However, reports suggest funding and skill-based roadblocks are preventing professionals from realistically pursuing transformative processes, leaving the UK’s transport sector falling behind its international counterparts. With this in mind, collaborative efforts between the UK government, industry partners and UK transport businesses themselves must be prioritised.

By working together to help transport businesses harness the power of future technologies, leaders can ensure the industry remains competitive for many years to come. With supply chains, manufacturing operations and wider logistics processes continuing to adapt to the modern market, the importance of data analytics and AI will become increasingly apparent.

THE ADOPTION OF DATA ANALYTICS & AI

IN THE TRANSPORT SECTOR

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

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WOMEN’S NETWORKING EVENING CELEBRATES SUCCESS AHEAD OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

WCAworld members from across the globe came together to celebrate the success of women within the industry

Last week, ahead of International Women’s Day, the global logistics network, WCAworld, hosted its first-ever Women’s Networking Evening for members. The event, which sold out within the first day of registration, provided a unique opportunity for women in the freight industry to come together, share successes, and foster mutual support.

The WCAworld Women’s Networking Evening drew women from across the industry to connect, collaborate, and celebrate their achievements. The event welcomed a diverse group of women, all passionate about making an impact in the traditionally male-dominated field of freight and logistics.

This landmark event underscored WCAworld’s commitment to growing and supporting women in the industry. WCAworld recognizes the importance of fostering a supportive community where women can thrive and succeed. By providing platforms like the Women’s Networking Evening, WCAworld aims to create opportunities for networking, mentorship and professional development.

WCAworld firmly believes in diversity and inclusivity. There is certainly a demand for initiatives that support and elevate women in the logistics sector. We are committed to championing women in freight, providing them with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to excel in their careers.

WCAworld

WORLDWIDE FLIGHT SERVICES WINS IATA’S ‘BEST PERFORMANCE AWARD’

FOR EUROPEAN DANGEROUS GOODS TRAINING

Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a member of the SATS Group, has been honoured with the International Air Transport Association’s IATA Competency-Based Training & Assessment (CBTA) Center ‘Best Performance Award’ for its global employee training programme

IATA’s CBTA Center programme is a global certification initiative that recognises organisations for meeting aviation training requirements using a competency-based training and assessment approach.

The CBTA Center ‘Best Performance Award’ is determined through a comprehensive evaluation process that includes metrics on instructor effectiveness, the relevance and comprehensiveness of course materials, and student feedback. WFS achieved the highest scores across these categories in the annual IATA survey, distinguishing itself among IATA CBTA Centers worldwide.

In 2023, the IATA CBTA Center’s network, which spans 208 centres across 64 countries, successfully trained 75,000 individuals. Recognition of WFS as the best performing IATA CBTA centre reflects dedication to delivering high-quality training and continuous improvement. As the air cargo industry transforms to be more efficient with digitalisation, and pursues net zero carbon emissions by 2050, a well-trained workforce is critical. We extend our congratulations to WFS on this significant accomplishment.

Yaniv Sorany, Principal of IATA Certification

WFS offers over 110 training courses for its workforce, including specialist cargo training to handle perishable, pharma, and dangerous goods shipments. In 2023, WFS delivered over 1,950 training events.

As the industry Association representing more than 330 airlines and 80% of global air traffic, IATA sets the standard for the aviation industry, so its assessments and certifications are of the highest significance. This award is a great honour for SATS and WFS and our training teams because it recognises our shared commitment to aviation safety, security, and service quality through the continuous development of our employees’ knowledge and skills.

Yann Le Tonqueze, Managing Director & Training Manager in the EMEAA, WFS

A leading events logistics provider has expanded its trailer fleet with the addition of three Dry Liner box trailers from Krone Trailer UK

Based in Thatcham, Berkshire, FCL Event Logistics provides a diverse transport and warehousing service for conferences, music festivals, film production and miscellaneous events throughout the UK and Europe.

With demand on the up, the family-run firm needed two high volume Mega Dry Liners plus a versatile City Liner for delivery into venues with restricted access.

The City Liner is an articulated single axle rear-steer and even more manoeuvrable than a rigid. Plus, when we took into account the much higher price of any similar sized rigid vehicle along with the City Liner’s ability to double up as a store between shows, the choice was an easy one to make.

Martin Cowie, Logistics Manager

At a height of 4m, with a slim (130mm) neck, the City Dry Liner box has an internal load height of 2.765 m and load length of 11 m – ideal for high cube loads, both in the UK and Europe.

For fast and secure operation, the City Liner comes with a cantilever 2 tonne capacity tail lift which, operated by foot and remote control has a 2.52 m x 2.5m aluminium platform, forms a sealed tail gate when raised, thereby obviating the need for conventional barn or shutter doors.

Secure loading is provided by multiple transverse lock rods and a 320 m sidewall strip ensures effective forklift protection. The 30mm phenolic plywood floor is tested to 5.5 tonnes and internal lighting is provided by 4 ceiling mounted flush-fit Krone LEDs.

Meanwhile, FCL again returned to Krone for more high-cube Mega Dry Liners. With an internal height of over 2.9 metres, 4 metres overall, and high security specification, the mega box vans are ideal for transporting and storing mixed, high value loads throughout Europe.

The Mega Dry Liners feature similar internal load securing equipment as the City Liner and are fitted with container-type rear doors with integral lock rods and concealed handles for added security.

The three trailers come with Krone telematics and a 10 year warranty against rust through. All steel parts are shot blasted, CDC primed and powder coated.

As our business continues to expand. FCL and our customers in turn need to rely on the most versatile and reliable trailer equipment. In this regard, Krone continues to play a key role.

FCL offers a comprehensive fleet from 10 tonne trucks to Mega 45ft trailers for events all over the UK and Europe. They also have 48,000 sq ft of storage in Berkshire.

EVENTS TRANSPORTER

UNSWORTH UK NAMED

BEST EUROPEAN PARTNER FOR WCAWORLD

Unsworth, a leading UK-based freight forwarding and logistics company, has been named as WCAworld's Best European Partner following an independent vote by the members of the world's largest network of freight and logistics businesses.

Unsworth was recognised by its peers in WCAworld for its exceptional service and commitment to excellence, winning the vote for the title of Best European Partner amidst strong competition from the network’s members across the region.

The company was presented with the award at the WCAworld Top Partners of the Year awards ceremony; which was held at a gala dinner attended by over 4,100 delegates during the recent WCAworld Worldwide Conference 2024, in Dubai.

It is great that our team's dedication in providing topnotch service and delivering value to our clients and partners has been recognised with this award; which represents third party endorsement of our commitment to client satisfaction and the promotion of a culture of continuous improvement.

Richard Hogg, CEO, Unsworth Group

In a landmark year that will see Unsworth UK celebrate its 50th anniversary, it continues to try to set the standards for excellence in the freight forwarding industry, leveraging its expertise and innovation to meet the evolving needs of its clients and partners worldwide.

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS NEWS

OVER 100 LEADERS GATHER FOR LATEST

Leaders and professionals from the freight and logistics sector came together in Manchester recently (July 23) for the latest FORWARDER event

Just under one hundred people attended the event at The Castlefield Rooms in the city, for a packed agenda that included keynote speakers, networking, and a panel discussion.

The theme of the event was ‘scaling-up’ and speakers included Lord Waverley, Joanna Jarjue and Joe Partner from Europa Worldwide Group.

Craig Headford who is the founder of FORWARDER events and the wider Headford Group – which has built an ecosystem specialising in recruitment, M&A and marketing and media – also joined the panel of speakers.

When it comes to creating new business opportunities, nothing beats meeting people face to face because you can build deeper lasting relationships. This is why FORWARDER events are so important for the industry and it was great to feel the buzz in the room. Our mission is to bring industry leaders together, to entertain and inspire and provide everyone with the tools needed to grow their businesses.

The full list of speakers for the event were Richard Lowe, founder, and director at Hewlett Rand; Joanna Jarjue – founder of so93; Eddie Ryan – commercial director at Magnum Logistics; Craig Headford –CEO of the Headford Group; Misty-Anne Booysen – CEO at Realm Realtime; Joe Partner – regional manager at Europa Worldwide; Neil Bird – Customs and Trade Advisor at Gaston Schul and the event host was Jamie Breese.

The next FORWARDER event will take place on September 12 in Birmingham, as the series continues its journey around the country.

To find out more about sponsoring or attending a FORWARDER event , please visit the website, which is forwarder.events

CUSTOMS & SECURITY

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15 MAY 2024 | Source: VAPE CLUB (DATA)

UK PORTS OVERWHELMED WITH 1.5 MILLION ILLEGAL VAPES SEIZED

SINCE THE START OF 2023

Data leads to industry calls for a stronger crackdown and tighter freight controls, as illegal vape seizures are enough for 3 to be sold every minute

The UK's freight terminals, airports and seaports have become the unexpected frontline in the battle against the illegal vaping surge.

Major London airports, as well as the Ports of Dover and Manchester, are being targeted and used as supply routes by the capital's unscrupulous retailers furthering the UK’s illegal vaping epidemic. These regions are the top three local authorities for the highest number of illegal vaping devices seized in 2023, Accounting for 42% of the UK’s total.

In 2023, over one and a half million illegal vapes were seized in the UK, enough for three to be sold every minute according to the 2024 Illegal Vaping Report. This report analyses the latest Freedom of Information request from 152 local authorities, obtained by Vape Club, and follows the Vape Retailer and Distributor Licensing framework launch to engage the government and authorities in developing methods to stop the vaping black market.

Kent, home to the Port of Dover, was the local authority with the highest number of illegal vapes seized, with over a quarter of a million confiscated in 2023.

Heathrow Airport’s local authority, Hillingdon, seized almost a quarter of a million illegal vapes last year. The London Borough ranked second in the UK for the number of illegal vapes seized in 2023.

Manchester Airport saw 158,434 illegal vapes seized. This comes in as Greater Manchester made up almost a quarter (22%) of the UK’s total number of illegal vapes seized in 2023. Bury New Road in Salford, also known as ‘Counterfeit Street’, is a hub for illegal products in the UK.

The findings raise concerns about the potentially dangerous illegal vapes entering the UK at its borders. The issue has been growing since the turn of the decade, since which 4.18 million illegal vapes have been seized. Between 2020 and 2023, the number of illegal vapes seized increased 19 times.

With the UK Government recently proposing a disposable vape ban, experts argue this opens more doors for the illegal vape black market. Figures show more support is needed for trading standards and local authorities to keep up with the scale of the issue.

The unregulated illegal vape trade mirrors the issues once prevalent in the cigarette black market, including youth usage, potentially dangerous products, and unregulated retail sales. The best deterrent for any crime is the likelihood of being caught and right now that is incredibly low, and rogue retailers are taking full advantage of this. We have to create an environment where there is much more chance of being caught. Currently, the maximum fine that can be handed out is £2,500 but in reality, the fines given out are much, much lower. We completely welcome the move to allow trading standards to issue on-the-spot fines, but we would like to see those fines increased to at least £10,000 and increase the fine for repeat offenders.

Dan Marchant , Director, Vape Club

U.S. CUSTOMS & BORDER PROTECTION SELECT WFS TO OPERATE THE FIRST CENTRALISED EXAM STATION FOR AIR CARGO AT NEW YORK JFK

Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a member of the SATS Group, has been selected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to operate a new Centralized Examination Station (CES) at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

WFS has been awarded a five-year contract by CBP, one of the world's largest law enforcement organizations and the United States’ first unified border entity, which takes a comprehensive approach to border management and control, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection.

When the CES begins its phased opening in Q1 2025, it will become the first Air CES to contain all segments of CBP inspections as well as the first on-airport examination facility at JFK, processing import, export, and USDA (Department of Agriculture) goods. Currently, the nearest CES station to JFK is located at Newark Airport.

The Centralized Examination Station (CES) is a game-changer for U.S. Customs and Border Protection at JFK Airport. The efficiencies realized from this facility will allow CBP to optimize resources and enhance our enforcement efforts to keep bad things, such as dangerous precursor chemicals, goods that infringe on intellectual property rights, and imports that place the American people at risk for their health and safety, out of the commerce of the United States. The CES is also a winwin for the JFK trade community, as the billions of dollars of lawfully imported goods will move through the JFK network with even greater speed and efficiency. We recognise Worldwide Freight Services (WFS) as a global leader in international cargo and ground handling logistics, applaud their forward leaning innovation in the industry, and thank them for their willingness to step up as the CES Operator at JFK Airport. We look forward to our continued collaboration with WFS, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, our DHS partners, as well as our Partner Government Agencies, as this project moves forward. Salvatore Ingrassia , Port Director, U.S. Customs & Border Protection, JFK

JFK is North America’s busiest international airport by both international passengers and international widebody flight operations. As a result, JFK is a primary gateway for international air cargo – both for passenger airlines flying cargo in the bellyhold of aircraft as well as pure freighter activities. Over 85 international airlines move cargo through JFK in one of 20 different on-airport air cargo warehouses, facilitating an annual cargo throughput of approximately 1.4 million tons.

JFK ranks in the top 10 in the US for annual air cargo activity and top 25 globally, supporting over 70,000 jobs in the region and approximately $16 billion in economic impact.

WFS is honoured to have been chosen by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which is America's front line to detect and disrupt threats at and beyond the country’s borders. WFS is proud to have been given this opportunity to support CBP’s outstanding work in protecting the safety and security of the United States by leveraging our cargo handling expertise. This partnership marks another exciting chapter for WFS and underscores our unwavering commitment to safety, security, and innovation in air cargo handling. We look forward to delivering exceptional service and contributing to the continued success of JFK and the air cargo industry.

Mike Simpson, CEO the Americas, WFS

The CES facility will be located within Building 151 at New York JFK, one of WFS’ cargo facilities at the airport, and will occupy more than 100,000 sqft of warehousing, office accommodation, and support facilities. The CES will benefit from the facility’s key location close to the ramp, providing fast airside access within the airport boundary from any airside location.

All shipments requiring inspection will need to be transported to the CES from their respective airline facilities. The on-airport examination station will yield significant productivity efficiencies for CBP officers, who will no longer have to travel to the cargo at various locations to complete inspections.

In preparation for the CES opening, WFS will be building out the facility to suit the specific requirements of CBP. Additionally, custom software is being developed to make the JFK operation the first paperless CES, supporting WFS’ commitment to air cargo digitisation. WFS’ existing dock management software will also ensure efficient processing of trucks, while digital dashboards will be used to monitor the progress of shipments to optimise the smooth processing of cargo.

New York JFK is one of WFS’ biggest international cargo stations, serving some 40 airline customers across eight handling facilities at the airport. In 2025, WFS will increase its cargo capacity at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) by another 20% with the opening of a new 346,000 sq.ft. terminal incorporating advanced technology and sustainability solutions. The new facility will take the company’s footprint at the airport to over 700,000 sq. ft. and grow capacity to more than 675,000 tons per annum.

WFS Americas operates 85 stations in key cities in the United States and Canada. These are integral to the SATS Group’s network of 215 stations in 27 countries, which offer customers global network connectivity and the support of dedicated teams with extensive experience in the aviation sector who are focused on delivering operational excellence and a positive experience for customers.

CUSTOMS & SECURITY EXPERTS

In today’s fast-paced business environment, the risk of fraud is ever-present. Business fraud encompasses a range of illicit activities carried out by individuals or companies in a dishonest or illegal manner. These fraudulent activities can have devastating effects on businesses, including financial loss, legal repercussions, and reputational damage. Here, we delve into the most common types of business fraud, providing detailed insights to help businesses in various industries, including freight, logistics, and the supply chain, safeguard against these threats.

Cybercrime & identity theft

Cybercrime and identity theft have emerged as significant threats in the digital age. Cybercriminals often target businesses to steal sensitive information, such as customer data, financial records, and proprietary information. Identity theft involves the unauthorized use of personal information to commit fraud. For businesses, this can mean the loss of critical data and financial assets.

In the freight, logistics, and supply chain industries, cybercriminals can intercept and manipulate data related to shipments, leading to significant disruptions. Companies should invest in robust cybersecurity measures and educate employees about phishing scams and other cyber threats to mitigate these risks.

Financial statement fraud

Financial statement fraud involves the intentional misrepresentation of financial information to deceive stakeholders. This type of fraud can include inflating revenue, understating expenses, or hiding liabilities. The primary motive is often to present a healthier financial position than reality, influencing investors, creditors, and market conditions.

In any industry, including logistics and the supply chain, accurate financial reporting is crucial for making informed decisions. To prevent financial statement fraud, businesses should implement strict internal controls and regularly audit financial records. Consulting with Brampton criminal lawyers can also help companies ensure compliance with legal standards and reduce the risk of fraudulent activities.

Forgery

Forgery is the act of creating, altering, or imitating documents with the intent to deceive. This can involve falsifying signatures, altering checks, or creating fake contracts. Forgery can have severe consequences, leading to financial losses and legal challenges.

In the logistics sector, forgeries can result in the unauthorized movement of goods or financial transactions. Implementing secure document handling procedures and using advanced verification technologies can help detect and prevent forgery. In cases where forgery is suspected, a Brampton criminal defense lawyer can provide expert legal assistance to navigate the complexities of the legal system.

Data & intellectual property theft

Data theft involves the unauthorized access and stealing of business data, while intellectual property (IP) theft pertains to the unauthorized use of a company’s proprietary information, such as patents, trademarks, and trade secrets. Both types of theft can severely undermine a company’s competitive advantage and market position.

For businesses in the supply chain and logistics industries, protecting data and IP is critical to maintaining operational integrity and a competitive edge. This can be achieved through rigorous data protection policies, regular security audits, and employee training programs.

Cash theft

Cash theft, also known as skimming or embezzlement, involves the misappropriation of cash by employees or third parties. This can occur through various means, such as manipulating cash registers, falsifying expense reports, or diverting funds into personal accounts.

To combat cash theft, businesses should enforce strict cash handling procedures, conduct regular reconciliations, and utilize automated systems to track cash flow. Additionally, performing background checks on employees and engaging Brampton criminal lawyers for legal guidance can further protect against internal theft.

Asset misappropriation

Asset misappropriation is the most common form of occupational fraud, involving the theft or misuse of a company’s assets. This can include stealing inventory, falsifying expense reports, or using company resources for personal gain.

In the logistics and freight industries, asset misappropriation can disrupt operations and lead to significant financial losses. Implementing stringent inventory management systems, conducting regular audits, and encouraging a culture of transparency can help detect and prevent such fraud.

Vendor & supplier fraud

Vendor and supplier fraud occurs when vendors or suppliers engage in dishonest practices, such as overcharging, providing substandard goods, or invoicing for services not rendered. This type of fraud can inflate costs and compromise the quality of products and services.

To mitigate vendor and supplier fraud, businesses should establish robust vetting processes for new suppliers, regularly review and audit vendor contracts, and monitor supply chain transactions. Leveraging technology for real-time tracking and verification can also enhance the detection of fraudulent activities.

Payroll fraud

Payroll fraud involves the manipulation of payroll systems to illegitimately increase compensation. This can include falsifying time records, creating fake employees, or inflating salaries. Payroll fraud can significantly impact a company’s finances and employee morale.

Intellectual property (IP) theft

Intellectual property theft involves the unauthorized use or reproduction of a company’s proprietary information, such as patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets. IP theft can erode a company’s competitive edge and result in substantial financial losses. In industries like logistics and supply chain management, where proprietary technology and processes are critical, protecting IP is essential. Businesses should employ comprehensive IP protection strategies, including patents, trademarks, and confidentiality agreements, to safeguard their innovations.

Tax fraud

Tax fraud occurs when individuals or companies intentionally falsify information on tax returns to reduce tax liability. This can include underreporting income, inflating deductions, or hiding assets. Tax fraud can lead to severe legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment. To avoid tax fraud, businesses should ensure accurate and transparent financial reporting, maintain detailed records of all transactions, and seek professional tax advice. Regular tax audits and compliance checks can also help detect and prevent fraudulent activities.

Conclusion

Business fraud presents a significant threat to companies across various industries, including freight, logistics, and the supply chain. Understanding the common types of fraud and implementing robust prevention measures can help businesses safeguard their assets and maintain their reputation. By staying vigilant and proactive, businesses can protect themselves from the costly consequences of fraudulent activities.

Mike

Pedersen, contributing writer

WHAT ARE THE COMMON TYPES OF BUSINESS FRAUD TO WATCH OUT FOR?

LACK OF CLARITY & ADDITIONAL COSTS OVER BORDER CHECKS WILL DRIVE UP PRICES, SAYS LOGISTICS UK

Business group Logistics UK has warned that the confusion and lack of clarity surrounding the implementation of new border checks on imported products from the EU, starting on 30 April 2024, will hit businesses’ bottom lines and, ultimately, consumers’ back pockets.

The latest phase of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), introduced as part of the post-Brexit Trade and Cooperation Agreement, will be implemented on Tuesday, 30 April, when documentary and physical checks and related import charges are introduced for plant products and medium and high-risk animal products imported from the EU. The range of products that could be subjected to checks include everyday items such as cut flowers, cheese, fresh fish and meat, yet there is still a pressing need for clarity over how the border checks will be implemented in practice.

As the leading business group representing the sector, Logistics UK is pressing the government to publish the exact timeline as to when physical checks will be scaled up and details of the compliance regime underpinning the new charging system. In addition, the group’s members want the government to publish the full modelling behind its assertion that its new import controls will have a 0.2% impact on inflation over three years.

We know from experience, not least when controls were imposed on UK exports to the EU in 2021, the damage to businesses that increased border friction, costs and delays cause. That is why, throughout this whole protracted process, Logistics UK has been warning of the impact the new checks will impose, on smaller operators in particular, and already hard-pressed families across Great Britain. It is also deeply frustrating that with one day to go, our members still don’t have all the business-critical details they

need regarding how the new procedures will be implemented. Official communication to the industry has been lacking in the necessary detail required to provide logistics operators with the certainty they need to operate effectively. The government has said it will prioritise high-risk products for physical checks and scale up checks thereafter, but we still don’t know what percentage of goods are expected to be checked on Tuesday. And critically, there is still no clarity on the exact timeline as to when these physical checks will be scaled up to their intended capacity. As well as serious concerns about the cumulative cost of all these new processes on SMEs in particular, fundamental questions remain about the capabilities of the government’s systems and facilities to process loads containing food and other perishable goods efficiently and at pace. Any delays can ruin fresh produce, reducing its value and increasing wastage and this could cause breaks in the UK’s interconnected supply chain. The cost of these new systems will need to be paid somewhere in the supply chain and, despite our industry’s best efforts, it is impossible for our members to absorb all of these costs given they are already operating under tight margins. The likelihood, despite best endeavours by traders, is that this will result in higher prices for products on our local shelves. Government states that it is listening to traders but 81% of businesses responding to the government’s own consultation on its proposed charging structure at the border made it clear they will have a fairly or extremely negative impact on their businesses. Government has consistently asserted that the impact of the new checks at the border will only result in a 0.2% inflationary impact over the next three years, but despite repeated calls by Logistics UK, it has still not published the modelling behind the headlines in the interests of transparency and to give confidence to UK importers and consumers.

Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade and Devolved Policy, Logistics UK

Fleet Source, one of the UK’s largest transport training providers, has developed the first dedicated training course, CEASE, to help fleet operators and drivers maintain their safety and security, and avoid fines for carrying a 'Clandestine Entrant', a person who hides in a vehicle to avoid UK immigration controls.

Every year, an average of 8,500 people are detected entering the UK illegally using road transport. HGVs are the vehicle of choice, as there are so many places to hide. Border Force can’t check every vehicle, and so the real number of Clandestine Entrants will be much higher.

Nick Caesari, CEO, Fleet Source

Hauliers found to inadvertently have Clandestine Entrants on their vehicle face significant penalties. The UK Government has increased the fines significantly to force the transport industry to take action to reduce illegal entry, resulting in both fleet operators and drivers now being fined up to £10,000 per Clandestine Entrant, or £6,000 if a vehicle is identified as being insecure, even if no Clandestine Entrants are found.

Caesari added: If a Clandestine Entrant is discovered on a vehicle, the fines that an operator and its drivers will face can be financially crippling, especially considering the tight profit margins that most operators work under.

Drivers can face other, even more serious problems. Clandestine Entrants, often exploited by people smugglers and desperate to escape threat, suppression and poverty, have threatened and even attacked drivers when they're discovered.

The potential danger for drivers is a major concern. Educating our drivers on how to keep themselves protected and their vehicles safe is paramount.

Mathew Smith, National Fleet Manager for Sunbelt Rentals, whose drivers piloted the CEASE course

The Fleet Source CEASE training course (Driver CPC accredited) is designed to educate and inform drivers about the risk of people attempting to hide in, or on, their vehicle illegally. Covering subject matters such as Clandestine Entrants tactics, vehicle security, effective walkaround checks, personal security and what to do if a Clandestine Entrant is identified, the course is the first to comprehensively cover the issues that drivers face crossing UK borders.

Caesari concluded: Although the Border Force Civil Penalty Scheme mandates training as a requirement, there is a lack of detailed information from the UK Government as to what this should include. Our new dedicated training course tackles this issue by giving drivers the guidance they need to maintain their safety and security, reduce the risk of Clandestine Entrants, and avoid being fined.

CUSTOMS & SECURITY EXPERTS

While experts rightfully identify carriers as the default perpetrators of cargo theft enabled by freight fraud, developments in this crime scene where no carrier’s actions are unlawful or illegitimate are increasingly concerning. This is related to the continuous evolution of freight fraudsters’ approaches to their ‘business’. The more sophisticated and technologically adept a freight fraudster becomes, the less they need to act or appear as a carrier to steal a shipment through freight fraud. Furthermore, while the actual recovery of cargo loss shouldn’t be excluded when the fraudster is a carrier or when a carrier intentionally proceeds to enable freight fraud, if the carrier’s action in the fraud scheme is legitimate, such chances are very slim.

Here is one such...

FRAUDSTER’S SCENARIO FOR STEALING A SHIPMENT

...illustrating, among other things, that freight fraud prevention should increasingly encompass factors of the most abstract, elevated and systemic nature.

1Research & identification : The fraudster scouts for commodities targeted for theft that are transported regularly, aiming to discover their established supply chain routes and, particularly, the involvement of any logistics service providers (LSPs) under whose control such shipments get to be at rest. The fraudster assesses the extent and nature of these LSPs’ vulnerability to freight fraud. Through this process, the fraudster identifies the following:

• A shipment worth targeting for theft by freight fraud.

• An LSP who is highly vulnerable to freight fraud and is about to gain control of this shipment while it is at rest – this is the first LSP involved in the fraudster’s pending action.

• A scenario for defrauding this LSP to execute an unauthorized cargo release.

• The time when the fraudulent action would be affordable and taken.

2

Initiating Orders

a) With the first LSP: Once this LSP has gained control over the shipment, the fraudster places a fraudulent order (or a set of such orders) to engage this LSP in forwarding the shipment to a destination and an LSP there, matching the fraudster’s goal (this is the second LSP involved). To achieve this, the fraudster uses an ‘Entitled Party Identity’, namely one mimicking the identity of the legitimate ordering party for the shipment.

b) With the second LSP: The fraudster places an order with this second LSP, to receive the shipment and to release it to a designated recipient, including forwarding it to a designated next destination if specified. For this purpose, the fraudster uses a ‘Legitimate Client Identity’, that is one established for issuing orders whose fulfillment does not invoke any liability for unlawful actions or conduct on the part of the order recipients.

3

Execution by the First LSP

Believing the fraudulent order to be legitimate, along with its quoted shipment destination, the first LSP takes action for having the shipment delivered there and handed over to the second LSP.

4

5

Control by the Second LSP

Once the shipment is with the second LSP, they proceed with the shipment as ordered.

Completion

With the second LSP’s fulfillment of their received order, the process reaches a stage where the fraudster either claims the shipment, thereby deferring the detection of his identity long enough or making this highly unlikely, or gains numerous opportunities to do so thereafter.

FREIGHT FRAUDSTER

Entitled Party Identity Legitimate Client Identity

CHALLENGES IN TRACKING THE SHIPMENT AFTER ITS FRAUDULENT RELEASE

1

Legal Obligations: Interacting legitimately with his client, who actually represents the fraudster, and unless compelled by law enforcement, the second LSP is legally bound to not disclose this client’s identity and the orders received, and to not release the entrusted shipment to anyone other than the recipient designated by this client. This way, the fraudster has the freedom to act under the second LSP’s due protection of his identity and his disposition of the shipment (as long as provided).

2

Critical Time Frames

Time-1: From the first LSP’s release of the shipment until the discovery that the order given to them was fraudulent.

Time-2 : From the end of Time-1 until the actual commencement of an investigation by the police or other law enforcement agencies – if requested or initiated.

Time-3: From the end of Time-2 until the second LSP would disclose the identity of the fraudster and the details of their orders, if ever. Given these time frames, the delay in identifying the fraudster and tracing the fraudulent orders typically exceeds the time the fraudster needs to cover their tracks after taking possession of the shipment. Consequently, the likelihood of preventing the loss of the shipment remains minimal.

Todor Kojouharov, Freight Management Expert

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LOGISTICS INDUSTRY NEEDS A PERMANENT SOLUTION TO OPERATION BROCK SAYS LOGISTICS UK

With half term traffic set to increase travel times and congestion through the UK’s Channel ports this weekend, business group Logistics UK is urging government to identify and implement a permanent alternative to its Operation Brock traffic management scheme.

Originally developed as a traffic management scheme in the event of a No Deal Brexit, Operation Brock is the contraflow system set up to keep traffic on the M20 and surrounding roads in Kent moving in the event of disruption to travel across the English Channel. The M20 is set to be closed overnight on 22 May to enable the deployment of the scheme which will be in place until 3 June to manage the anticipated Bank Holiday surge in vehicles, at a cost of thousands of pounds to Kent taxpayers. However, as Nichola Mallon, Logistics UK’s Head of Trade explains, this will once again have an impact on those trying to keep goods moving to and from GB and Europe.

For the past seven years, since the Brexit vote, the logistics industry has been subjected to delays caused by the deployment of Operation Brock, yet a permanent solution to the plan has yet to be found. While held in the queues along the M20, drivers have no access to refreshments or toilet facilities often for hours on end – a situation which would not be tolerated by workers in offices, factories or any other setting. This is not an acceptable situation. Logistics workers were deemed ‘essential’ to the UK’s economy during the pandemic, but they are being failed every time Brock is deployed. And with the new Entry and Exit System set to be implemented by the EU in October this year at the juxtaposed borders at the Short Straits, Operation Brock looks set to become a permanent feature.

About 30% of all the food consumed in the UK comes from the EU, according to the British Retail Consortium, including almost half of the fresh vegetables and the majority of fresh fruit sold in this country. And that percentage can rise significantly if domestic supplies run short in the event of bad weather in the UK, such as prolonged periods of heavy rain.

As an island, Britain is dependent on imports of fresh produce at key times of the year, and those providing these deliveries and carrying UK exports to the EU deserve to spend their legally mandated breaks away from their vehicles to get sufficient rest. A permanent solution for Operation Brock is needed, and fast, before hauliers decide not to fulfil contracts to deliver to the UK. As Logistics UK has been saying for some time, logistics operators need the support of government to ensure that the UK’s borders do not become a barrier to the movement of goods.

Experts in Consular Documentation

CDN’s elite team of approved documentation officers are on hand to advise and produce a full range of export documents. Our own dedicated fully trained couriers ensure all documents are lodged securely. Once completed they are again checked for accuracy before being returned to you.

Typical documents we process include:

• Arab Certificates of Origin

• EC Certificates of Origin

• Commercial Invoices

• EUR1’s and ATRs

• Translations

• Foreign & Commonwealth Office Authentication

INDUSTRY SERVICES

Organisations and bodies that provide essential support to the freight and logistics industries.

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TLX CARGO INVENTS SOLARAP™... A BREAKTHROUGH SOLAR BARRIER FABRIC INSPIRED BY SKIN

UV radiation poses a significant threat to our skin, with melanin pigments providing partial protection by absorbing and reflecting incoming radiation. Drawing inspiration from this natural defence, TLX Cargo developed SOLARAP™, the next generation solar barrier material used in TLX8 thermal pallet covers.

TLX8 is designed to protect both pharmaceutical and perishable shipments from extreme solar radiation on the tarmac and mitigate temperature excursions during transportation.

After two years of dedicated research and development we have an exceptional thermal pallet cover to offer the market in 2024. Our team have come up with a new concept in solar barrier material that will be used to protect temperature sensitive shipments globally. SOLARAP™ nano-pores boast a remarkable surface area of 35.3 m2/g, equivalent to eight football pitches. These miniature circular pores form an effective barrier to ultraviolet by scattering and absorbing incoming radiation.

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The SOLARAP™ research journey began in the UK and swiftly transitioned to Australia, where real-life conditions proved essential for development and validating performance.

Protecting vaccines from shock temperature increases is challenging due to the diverse spectrum of solar radiation. These waves vary in intensity and angle of attack, influenced by atmospheric conditions and the sun's position. SOLARAP™ adapts accordingly, working harder as temperatures rise.

CARGO INTEGRITY GROUP HIGHLIGHTS CARGOES THAT CAN COMPROMISE SUPPLY CHAIN SAFETY

The industry bodies of the Cargo Integrity Group continue in their mission to improve safety in the global supply chain

The Group has identified a number of cargoes, commonly carried in containers, that under certain conditions can cause dangerous incidents. They urge everyone handling these goods to follow all applicable regulations, the CTU Code and industry best practices

In addition to promoting sound packing and shipping practices, the Cargo Integrity Group aims to increase awareness about the types of goods, often less obvious, that can compromise safety in the container supply chain under certain conditions. The Group has identified fifteen such ‘Cargoes of Concern’ that are commonly transported by sea and intermodally. While these are usually transported safely when regulations and guidelines are followed, the Group has created this list to highlight cargoes that can become hazardous if handled incorrectly. They emphasize that cargoes that are mis-declared or have incomplete or incorrect information about their identity are more likely to be involved in incidents. This list is not exhaustive, but each item illustrates a common type of hazard, divided into three categories:

Reactive Hazards

These cargoes can catch fire and cause significant damage and casualties under certain conditions. They are generally subject to Dangerous Goods regulations. Examples are:

• Charcoal / carbon

• Calcium Hypochlorite

• Lithium-ion batteries

• Cotton and wool

• Fishmeal and krill

• Seed cake

Spill or Leak Risks

These commodities can present a risk if not packed properly or if they are damaged. Spills or leaks from these cargoes can harm the health of people cleaning up the spill as well as the environment. Examples are:

• Hides and skins

• Wine

• Bitumen

• Cocoa butter

• Waste - recycled engines and engine parts

• Vegetable and other oils, particularly when packed in flexi-tanks

Improper Packing Consequences

Cargoes that are poorly or incorrectly packed or secured in the container can lead to injuries to personnel or damage to nearby containers, property, or other cargo. Such incidents can cause severe accidents at sea or on land, such as truck rollovers and train derailments. Examples are:

• Logs and timber

• Steel coils

• Marble and granite

In the coming months the Cargo Integrity Group will publish additional guidance on the identification and safe handling of these cargoes. The list is based on data from, among other sources, the claims history of leading freight insurance provider, TT Club; a report prepared by ICHCA and submitted to the IMO on incidents involving dangerous goods on ships or in ports, and from CINS which collates information provided by its members on incidents involving dangerous cargo. Dedicated to improving the safety, security and environmental performance throughout the containerized supply chain, a primary goal of the Cargo Integrity Group is to increase awareness and wider use of the IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units – the CTU Code.

INDUSTRY SERVICES NEWS

Adaptive packaging is a strategy companies use to ensure everyone can access and use products with ease. This type of design recognises that peoples’ needs are diverse, whether that is due to a disability, age or cultural background.

Today, there’s a growing demand for products everyone can use due to the increasing awareness that all consumers deserve consideration. Consumers of varied disabilities and cultural backgrounds are increasingly influencing the market, urging companies to consider their products’ accessibility.

Adaptive packaging is the answer, providing a way for products to reach a broader audience. By understanding and responding to consumer challenges, companies can use it to become truly customer-centric.

The importance of adaptive packaging

In a world where individual needs are as varied as the individuals themselves, making products more inclusive is highly important. Inclusivity in product design reflects a society that values every member.

As of 2021, England alone reported that 9.8 million people were living with disabilities. With adaptive packaging design, companies can ensure people with disabilities and beyond have access to their products. When businesses design products with everyone in mind, they can ensure people live more independently and enjoy the same conveniences afforded to the broader population.

Adaptive packaging design is also a moral imperative to addressing the needs of those underrepresented in society. It aligns with the global movements toward diversity and equality, recognising the need for differentiation in varied target markets. When companies explore cultural and linguistic differences, it reinforces their brand’s position as a considerate and inclusive player among the competition.

Lastly, there are regulations for design through ISO 17480:2015. Adaptive packaging adheres to its principles, which outline a framework for accessibility and usability in packaging. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a universal design approach that benefits all customers.

How adaptive packaging design makes products more inclusive

Adaptive packaging design welcomes everyone through inclusivity in numerous ways.

1

IMPROVED ERGONOMICS

Among the foremost strategies for making packaging more inclusive is ergonomics. Ergonomic packaging is a tactic used to make products easy for everyone to handle, regardless of their physical capabilities. It considers the physical interaction between the product and its user, considering how a consumer holds and opens the products and uses them daily.

Ergonomic design can also extend to the equipment used in adaptive packaging and processing. For example, one company’s case erector incorporates a tip-up design that manages small and irregular cases, optimising the machine’s handling capability. This approach ensures the final packaged product is handled gently, improving the end user’s experience with packaging that is easier to manage and open.

2 EASY-TO-OPEN FEATURES

Adaptive packaging ensures everyone can access products without unnecessary struggle or assistance. These features are crucial for individuals with limited dexterity, such as those with arthritis.

Procter & Gamble’s initiative with Olay moisturisers introduced easyopen lids by providing winged caps and raised grips. These products accommodate users’ needs with limited hand strength, creating a seamless and inclusive experience for all.

3

VISUAL ACCESSIBILITY

Visual accessibility in adaptive packaging design considers individuals with visual impairments. This includes using high-contrast colours for text and background, large and legible font sizes and clear, simplified imagery. Additionally, it incorporates tactile elements like Braille to enhance further usability for those who rely on touch to read information.

Some pharmaceutical companies have started implementing distinct colour coding to help users identify different medications without confusion. In pharmaceutical packaging, clarity and legibility can be a matter of safety, so visual accessibility is key to providing a better user experience.

4 USE OF TECHNOLOGY

Integrating technology into packaging design can be a huge step toward inclusivity. Leveraging innovative technologies enables product users to access information and functionality equally.

One approach to this development is packaging labels that interact with smartphone apps. These labels incorporate QR codes and NFC (near field communication) tags. When scanned or tapped with a smartphone, the app provides auditory information about the product. This technology is especially useful for visually impaired users who need product descriptions, usage instructions and ingredient lists.

5 CULTURAL SENSITIVITY

Cultural sensitivity involves understanding and respecting different consumer groups' cultural norms and values. While this approach ensures inclusivity in adaptive packaging, it also forges a stronger relationship between the brand and its customers.

Incorporating cultural sensitivity into packaging means considering language options, colour significance and imagery to avoid misinterpretation. For example, colours one culture considers lucky might not be as favourable in another. Similarly, brands that use symbols and imagery in packaging should choose them with an awareness of their cultural meanings.

Multinational companies often apply this in their packaging design for different food markets. This could include altering graphics to better reflect local tastes and traditions or including multiple language options. For instance, a brand selling in a market with a high percentage of Muslim consumers would ensure their packaging carries halal certification prominently. They would also ensure it adheres to cultural norms around food consumption.

Incorporating inclusivity through adaptive packaging

Consider adaptive packaging as more than a design philosophy. Instead, think of it as a commitment to inclusivity, recognizing and addressing diverse consumer needs. By adding elements that cater to all consumers, companies can create products that speak to everyone.

PRIMED FOR FUTURE GROWTH SAYS LOGISTICS UK

Anew report published today by Logistics UK lays out the opportunity which the sector, that operates at the heart of all UK economic activity, has to drive recovery. The business group's annual Logistics Report outlines how the industry - which generates annual revenues of £1.3 trillion and contributes £185 billion to the UK's GVA performance - is cautiously optimistic for 2024 and beyond, and identifies the areas where the sector can help accelerate the economy.

38% of respondents to Logistics UK’s Industry Survey are anticipating economic improvement for 2024, compared with 2023, but as Chief Executive David Wells OBE explains, this year has been one of consolidation rather than turning the corner to growth:

It is clear that our industry is still operating in challenging conditions, but the report paints a picture of a sector which is consolidating and taking steps to prepare so it can exploit the opportunities that will present themselves when the overall economy improves. The £185 billion GVA contribution which our sector made in 2022 (the latest official figures available) is in line with the 2021 figure of £160.2 billion when other factors are taken into account, so it is too soon to say the economy is returning to growth. Contributing £185 billion to the UK economy when the sector has been dealing with global geopolitical volatility, new trade processes, a financial recession and pressures on the supply chain caused by changing climate conditions is a great achievement. It demonstrates the sector’s resourcefulness and adaptability to keep the UK trading and satisfy the demands of businesses and consumers alike.

David Wells OBE , Chief Executive, Logistics UK

The report also contains the latest Logistics UK Business Performance Index, which reveals overall business confidence and levels of investment remain steady and consistent with 2023. In particular, the sector is reporting extremely positive sentiment regarding the adoption of new technology, reflecting the importance of continued innovation in the sector.

Our sector is often at the forefront of adopting new technologies as they apply to transport, with new solutions aiding businesses to phase out repetitive tasks or tackle access restrictions imposed for clean air zones. Logistics is constantly innovating to be ready for the next challenge, and it is encouraging to see how readily our sector embraces the challenges we face.

Logistics remains one of the UK’s most significant employers: in March 2023 there were 214,160 logistics businesses operating in the UK, employing around 8% of the nation’s workforce. However, according to the Logistics Report the types of jobs are changing as automation and technology continue to improve, and the statistics show there has been a sectoral shift, with managerial and directorial roles in purchasing, transport and distribution seeing notable increases.

A massive opportunity exists for the next government, whoever is elected, to build on the sector’s stable foundations and create an operational environment that will allow the industry to thrive and deliver economic growth that will benefit the whole of the UK. Our sector is entwined in so many aspects of society and business that we need senior representation in the cabinet and we have been pressing all political parties, should they be elected in July, to appoint a dedicated logistics and supply chain minister. With appropriate investment, policy changes and the right partnerships with government, it is predicted that the sector could provide a boost of up to £7.9 billion per year to the UK’s GDP in productivity gains by 2030.

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26 APRIL 2024 | Source: KEY BRIDGE RESPONSE 2024

BALTIMORE BRIDGE COLLAPSE UNIFIED COMMAND REFLECTS ON MONTH’S PROGRESS

One month has passed since the Singaporean-flagged container vessel M/V DALI allided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which connects Hawkins Point and Dundalk, Maryland, resulting in the bridge’s collapse into the lower Patapsco River. This incident brought all maritime traffic in and out of the Port of Baltimore to a standstill.

Progress of the Francis Scott Key Bridge wreckage removal as of April 25, 2024, in efforts to reopen the Fort McHenry channel on the Patapsco River. Debris and wreckage removal is on-going in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry channel. All of the imagery is available on dvidshub.net with the tag key bridge response 2024

During the incident involving the M/V DALI, eight road crew workers, who were on break from repairing potholes, were present on the bridge when it collapsed. While two workers were rescued, four missing persons have been recovered, leaving two still unaccounted for. Despite the distressing circumstances, efforts to locate the missing workers continue, with utmost care and concern for the well-being of the families affected by this tragedy.

To date, 171 commercial vessels have transited the four alternate channels, including five of the vessels waiting to depart the Port of Baltimore since March 26. 137 containers of the estimated 180 necessary to access the portion of the bridge atop the M/V DALI have been removed.

Presently, more than 350 uniformed and civilian workers from 53 federal, state, and local agencies across the U.S. are deployed to Baltimore for the ongoing recovery and salvage efforts. In addition, 553 contract specialists are actively involved in various roles related to dive, crane, and vessel operations. Over 1,000 individuals have contributed to the Key Bridge Response mission over the past month.

To address the estimated 50,000 tons of wreckage at the Francis Scott Key Bridge site, the Unified Command has assembled a substantial fleet of diverse vessels and equipment which includes 36 barges, 27 tugboats, 22 floating cranes, 10 excavators, one dredger, one skimmer, and three Coast Guard cutters. Progress in the salvage effort has been significant, with over 3,000 tons of wreckage and debris already removed from the site for disposal or recycling.

Ninety dive missions have been conducted by as many as seven dive teams, each consisting of four to five specialists. This tally does not include the numerous recovery-related dives undertaken within the initial 48 hours by over 60 divers from the Maryland State Police and other federal, state, and local agencies.

Survey vessels deployed by the Unified Command have executed more than 60 missions to gather sonar and laser imagery, essential for mapping the wreckage of the M/V DALI and determining safe maritime navigation routes. This data, acquired day and night, is crucial for diver safety, enabling dive supervisors to guide underwater operations amidst the murky depths of the Patapsco River.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Coast Survey completed nine hydrographic survey assessments to help establish the temporary channels by identifying obstructions for salvage teams to remove. Following obstruction removal, the NOAA hydrographic survey team returned and verified the temporary alternate channels were clear and safe for vessel navigation.

24 APRIL 2024

| Source: FIATA

2024 FIATA HQ MEETING: FIATA & IATA UNITED FOR RESILIENCE

FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations opened the 2024 edition of the annual FIATA HQ Meeting yesterday, under the theme Uniting for Resilience

A special fireside chat with the opening keynote speaker Mr Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, inaugurated the meeting, with the themes of modernisation, collaboration and digitalisation at the forefront at a time of significant supply chain disruptions.

The FIATA HQ Meeting is held annually in Geneva, Switzerland and gathers FIATA Association Members, Individual Members (freight forwarding companies) and industry stakeholders from across the globe to find solutions to the most pressing industry issues of the day. This 2024 edition takes place at a time of significant uncertainty and volatility in the context of environmental crises and geopolitical tensions, among others. The timely theme Uniting for Resilience puts into the spotlight the vital role of freight forwarders as ‘Architects of Transport’ in fostering resilient supply chains, through their unique expertise and capabilities to find efficient and sustainable transport solutions across different transport modes around the world in all situations.

With collaboration between supply chain stakeholders being crucial to finding industry solutions to current and future challenges, FIATA was pleased to open the 2024 FIATA HQ Meeting with a special keynote fireside chat between the FIATA Director General, Dr Stéphane Graber, and Mr Willie Walsh, IATA Director General. In this session, the two Director Generals took stock of the longstanding relationship between the two organisations and the importance of reinforcing collaboration between freight forwarders and airlines. It also provided the opportunity to discuss how freight forwarders and airlines can better collaborate to address developments in the rapidly evolving marketplace, such as safety and security, sustainability and digitalisation. Mr Walsh noted that there will always be challenges to overcome, and that the pandemic

accelerated the speed at which the industry responds to crises, and its ability to manage such situations. In the context of the work between the two organisations to modernise the current IATA Cargo Agency Programme , the two Director Generals agreed on the importance of building on the many common interests between freight forwarders and airlines, emphasising the need for collaboration and digitalisation.

Concluding the opening session and in line with this collaborative ethos, FIATA President Turgut Erkeskin shared that FIATA is committed to ‘uniting the freight forwarding industry, ensuring effective representation and protection of its Members and improving the quality of services across industries by promoting standardisation and digitalisation. This is a reflection of FIATA’s core values of excellence, innovation, collaboration, inclusion and responsibility to achieve multistakeholder solutions.’ FIATA will continue to work in close collaboration with IATA to address the evolving needs of the industry. Synergistic partnerships continue to be a key priority for FIATA to add value to its Members and in return, to the supply chain.

The opening session was followed by the FIATA Multimodal Transport Institute (MTI) workshop, the first of a series of 15 interactive workshops at the FIATA HQ Meeting. The MTI workshop brought together industry experts from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development International Transport Forum (OECD-ITF) to facilitate discussions aimed at developing solutions and recommendations to build resilience across rail, road, and maritime transport to better withstand crises.

Responding to Shadow Transport Secretary Louise Haigh’s announcement regarding the Labour Party’s pledge to support road infrastructure, Jonathan Walker, Head of Cities and Infrastructure Policy at business group Logistics UK says:

Potholes cost the UK’s economy over £14.4 billion1 a year, largely as a result of longer journey times as drivers attempt to limit damage to their vehicles, so our members would welcome any coordinated plans to address this problem. However, it will be essential for any

new investment and repair programme to be delivered swiftly to stop the problem getting worse, and our members will also be looking for their broader infrastructure concerns to be addressed when the Labour party’s manifesto is published tomorrow. It is vital that the next government, whoever is elected, provides a longer-term strategy and funding model to reinforce the UK’s transport infrastructure. This would enable long-term maintenance programmes to be put in place, rather than piecemeal allocations of funding that create a stop-start mentality and interruptions to the transport network.

RESPONSE TO LABOUR’S PLEDGE TO FIX 1 MILLION POTHOLES

The shipping community is appalled and deeply saddened with the tragic news that, yet another seafarer seems certain to have been killed in a drone boat strike on Wednesday 12 June while on board the MV Tutor in the Red Sea. We utterly condemn these assaults which directly contravene the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation. Our thoughts and condolences go to the family and loved ones of the seafarer who tragically lost their life. It is deplorable that innocent seafarers are being attacked while simply performing their jobs, vital jobs which keep the world warm, fed, and clothed.

This is the second fatal attack in which our seafarers have been caught in the crosshairs of geopolitical conflicts. Three seafarers tragically lost their lives when the True Confidence was attacked earlier this year. And we must not forget the crew members from the Galaxy Leader and MSC Aries who are still being held captive.

Furthermore, we strongly condemn the attack on the cargo ship Verbena on Thursday 13 June which left a seafarer severely injured by anti-ship cruise missiles. This is an unacceptable situation, and these attacks must stop now. We call for States with influence in the region to safeguard our innocent seafarers and for the swift de-escalation of the situation in the Red Sea. We have heard the condemnation and appreciate the words of support, but we urgently seek action to stop the unlawful attacks on these vital workers and this vital industry.

We hope that on this year’s Day of The Seafarer on Tuesday 25 June the world took a moment to recognise the immense contribution that seafarers make to the global economy and the unjust circumstances they are facing in the Red Sea and across the world.

CALLS FOR ACTION FOLLOWING ATTACK ON MV TUTOR & CARGO SHIP VERBENA

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20 MAY 2024

LOGISTICS UK RESPONSE TO CIPD RESEARCH INTO APPRENTICESHIP STARTS

In response to the announcement by CIPD that the number of new apprenticeships has fallen by up to two fifths since the introduction of the government’s levy system, Jonathan Walker, Head of Infrastructure at business group Logistics UK commented:

This research reflects what we at Logistics UK have been saying for some time, that the current skills system is not fit for purpose and does not meet the needs of our sector. As well as investing for the long-term through apprenticeships, employers need the flexibility to be able to provide real time, appropriate training which may not necessarily fit the apprenticeship model – once again, we are urging government to reconsider the way the system is structured to meet the needs of both employers and employees more effectively.

The CIPD research shows that there has been a 41% decline in the number of apprenticeship starts for those under the age of 19 since the scheme came into force.

ABOUT LOGISTICS UK

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk

MANAGEMENT TRAINING CONTINUES TO DRIVE SUCCESS AT EUROPA

At a dynamic time of change within the industry, Europa Worldwide Group is arming its managers with the skills necessary to drive success

Now employing over 1,400 staff globally, over the past 10-years Europa has trebled its workforce and increased its international footprint, bringing with it a greater need for training and development.

Robust management training can equip managers to provide better customer communication, an enhanced service and a more effective operation.

But, a Chartered Management Institute survey of 4,500 UK workers, reported that 82 per cent of those in management positions were described as ‘accidental managers’, with little training or qualifications. In addition, according to data from YouGov most logistics managers do not hold a university degree or equivalent qualifications (63 per cent).

Europa, recognising that business success is not simply based on technology and infrastructure, is challenging these statistics head on. In 2023 the company launched its own formal 12-month Management Training Programme, upskilling leaders across the business. This is the latest innovation from Europa to ensure quality and consistency throughout the operation.

Already 70 senior managers from its 18 UK sites have successfully achieved the bespoke Europa Management Training certification and a new cohort of 60 is currently taking part in the 11-module programme.

The Europa Management Training Programme introduces managers to new concepts and practices, offering new tactics to allow them to keep pace with the dynamic environment.

Europa has recently experienced rapid growth; so, enabling our team with effective management skills is vital. This is a significant investment in our people, it’s important we give our managers all the tools they need to grow, support their own teams and ultimately provide the best service available to our customers.

Tom

Jenkins, Central Services Director, Europa Worldwide Group

Recognising the vast and diverse training needs across the business, Europa’s Learning & Development team has increased threefold over the past two years, as well as using the latest platforms and technologies to support innovative learning pathways.

Europa believes that the development of its people is a fundamental part of sustaining success. The first cohort on the Management Training Programme includes several Sales and Customer Service Branch Managers from its road freight operation Europa Road.

The training programme has made me confident in dealing with difficult conversations and has equipped me with the tools I need to resolve any conflicts within the team.

Hayley Callachan, who was promoted to the role of Customer Service Branch Manager in Glasgow a year and a half ago

The training has been invaluable to me and my team. I would say it is a massive factor in the success of what we are achieving. Not only do I understand my team more, but they also feel more valued which in turn increases their performance.

Ben Geddis, Sales Branch Manager at one of Europa’s most established branches in Bristol

It is widely recognised that good, formally trained managers can support higher levels of innovation and better workplace cultures, driving standards of excellence.

Our Management Training is delivered through a creative mix of classroom, remote and eLearning packages and this dynamic, bespoke approach is already delivering success across the business, helping grow and nurture our talented team to become even stronger.

Alison Flannery, Learning & Development Manager, Europa

Europa Worldwide Group is an ambitious independent logistics operator with three divisions, Europa Road, Europa Air & Sea, and Europa Warehouse, and has been featured in The Sunday Times Top Track 250 for three years.

Europa’s Road Freight division is now the UK’s market-leader in European Road Freight, having invested £5 million in its innovative market-leading product, Europa Flow, which has successfully providing a frictionless flow of goods between the EU and the UK post Brexit.

Its 3PL division Europa Warehouse has over 1 million square feet of state-of-the art automated and manual fulfilment facilities in Corby, Birmingham and Dartford. Having been awarded both HMRC wet and dry bond authorisation, it is strategically located to optimise supply chains. In 2023, Europa Warehouse was recognised for excellence - becoming Big Logistics Company of the Year as well achieving Health, Safety & Wellbeing accolade across the “Golden Logistics Triangle' by the Northampton Logistics Awards.

Europa Air and Sea has grown rapidly over the past two years, significantly increasing its branch network in the UK and opening strategically located branches in Hong Kong, Dubai, Shanghai, Shenzhen and India to service its international customer base. With a worldwide agent network and a proprietary software solution, LeoWeb, Europa provides customers with complete visibility, tracking and order management facilities.

The group employs over 1,400 people with 17 branches in the UK, and the Republic of Ireland, plus Europa’s own teams in Belgium and the Netherlands and internationally in Hong Kong, China, India and the UAE. The global operator has an annual turnover of £300m+.

RECRUITMENT & TRAINING EXPERTS

In today's job market, finding effective ways to build careers and grow businesses is key. Apprenticeships offer a practical solution that benefits both apprentices and employers. For apprentices, they provide hands-on experience, a chance to earn while learning, and a clear path to career advancement. For employers, they offer a costeffective way to train workers, boost productivity, and ensure loyalty.

Here, we explore apprenticeships' many advantages and show why they are a smart choice for everyone involved.

BENEFITS FOR APPRENTICES

Hands-on experience

Apprenticeships provide real-world training that goes beyond classroom learning. Apprentices gain practical skills by working directly in their chosen field, particularly in industries like engineering and construction, where hands-on experience is crucial.

Earning while learning

One of the biggest advantages of an apprenticeship is the ability to earn a wage while learning. Many apprentices will see the ability to support themselves financially as they gain their qualifications as a more appealing alternative to the fee-paying structure of university tuition.

Skill development & qualifications

Apprenticeships offer structured training programmes that lead to recognised qualifications. Apprentices develop soft skills, such as communication and teamwork, and hard skills specific to their trade or profession. This comprehensive skill set makes them highly employable.

Career advancement & employment opportunities

Statistics show that apprentices have high employment rates after completing their programmes. Many employers offer permanent positions to apprentices who have trained with them, recognising the value of their skills and experience. Apprentices often progress quickly in their careers, benefiting from the head start that practical training provides.

Personal and Professional Growth

Through apprenticeships, individuals develop a strong work ethic and professional attitude. They also build valuable networks within their industry, gaining mentors and contacts that can help them throughout their careers. This combination of experience and connections fosters personal and professional growth, setting apprentices up for long-term success.

BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYERS

Cost-effective workforce development

Hiring apprentices can be more cost-effective than recruiting experienced professionals. Apprentices often start at a lower wage, and many governments offer financial incentives and grants to companies that take on apprentices. This helps reduce recruitment and training costs while building a skilled workforce from the ground up.

Customised training to meet specific needs

Apprenticeships allow employers to tailor the training to their specific needs. Apprentices learn on the job and can be trained to understand the company's unique processes, culture and standards. This customised training ensures that apprentices are well-prepared to contribute effectively to the business.

Increased productivity & innovation

Apprentices bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to the workplace. Their enthusiasm and willingness to learn can drive innovation and improve productivity. Examples from various industries show that apprentices often contribute significantly to projects and operations, introducing innovative solutions and improvements.

Building loyalty & reducing turnover

Investing in apprentices can lead to higher retention rates. Apprentices who are trained and developed within the company are more likely to feel a sense of loyalty and commitment. This reduces turnover and helps to build a stable, experienced workforce familiar with the company's operations and goals.

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Supporting apprenticeships enhances a company’s reputation in the community. It demonstrates a commitment to developing the local workforce and providing opportunities for young people. This can improve the company’s image and fulfil its corporate social responsibility objectives, contributing to a positive public perception and stronger community ties.

Bridging the skills gap

Many industries today face significant skills shortages, making it challenging for employers to find qualified candidates. Apprenticeships are a key solution to this problem, as they train individuals in the specific skills that are in high demand. Sectors like IT, healthcare and drainage/ utilities often need help finding workers with the necessary expertise, and apprenticeships help build a pipeline of skilled workers ready to meet these needs.

One of the major strengths of apprenticeships is the close collaboration between businesses and educational institutions, ensuring that the training provided is relevant and up-to-date with current industry standards. Employers can influence the curriculum to make sure apprentices are learning the most important skills and knowledge for their sector. This partnership helps bridge the gap between academic education and practical, on-the-job requirements.

Additionally, apprenticeships prepare the workforce for future challenges. As industries evolve and new technologies emerge, the required skills change rapidly. Apprenticeships foster continuous learning and adaptability, equipping individuals to keep up with technological advancements and shifting industry demands. This approach helps create a workforce that is skilled for today's needs and prepared for the future.

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17 APRIL 2024 | Source: LOGISTICS UK

NEW PROPOSALS JUST THE TICKET FOR GETTING YOUNG PEOPLE INTO TRANSPORT

Hundreds of jobs in bus and coach sectors could become available to younger people under new proposals

Consultation on lowering the minimum age to drive longer bus and coach journeys and speed up training for drivers launches today

Measures will help deliver more reliable bus services and a more resilient supply chain as part of our plan to help grow the economy

Young people could soon find more careers in transport, following Government proposals to lower the minimum age requirements for bus and coach drivers and speed up training for bus, coach and lorry drivers.

Today (11 April 2024), Roads Minister Guy Opperman has launched a consultation to remove a restriction that currently states that 18 to 20-year-old bus and coach drivers can only drive routes up to 50km.

While they can already drive an articulated lorry with no distance limit, currently a fully trained 18 to 20 year-old driver can’t operate a coach from London to Manchester, or the scenic Coastliner bus route across Leeds-York-Yorkshire coast, due to the 50km restriction. These proposals are looking to change that.

With more bus and coach drivers safely trained to drive on our roads, bus operators could be able to run more services, especially in rural areas where bus routes tend to be longer.

This will bring more reliable services and help passengers travel with confidence.

This comes on top of further proposals for prospective bus, coach and HGV drivers to start theory and off-road training right away, rather than having to wait to have their provisional licence, meaning they can get started on their training journey immediately.

More qualified lorry drivers will support a stronger haulage sector, helping ensure medical supplies reach hospitals, parcels are delivered on time and supermarket shelves are always stocked.

If the proposals are introduced, all prospective bus, coach and HGV drivers will be held to the same training requirements as before to ensure Britain’s roads remain among the safest in the world, but will mean drivers can complete training and get working more quickly.

Being a bus, coach or lorry driver can be an excellent career for young people and these proposals could help get younger talent into transport, encouraging diversity in the sector. This could be a win-win, not only improving job opportunities for those leaving school, but also going some way to continue to ease driver shortages, delivering more reliable bus and coach services and a more resilient supply chain as part of our plan to grow the economy.

Guy Opperman, Roads Minister

With industry data estimating the national bus driver shortage to be 6.6% and the coach driver shortage at 13.6%, the measures could open up a brilliant career in transport to younger people, tackle driver shortages and help improve the reliability of bus and coach services, growing the economy to deliver a brighter future for all.

We warmly welcome this consultation on two key proposals championed by CPT to address the challenge of driver shortages faced by the coach and bus sector. Allowing new recruits to get on with off-road training while awaiting their provisional licence will ensure more trainees complete the course and become safe, qualified bus or coach drivers. As 18 year-olds are allowed to drive an articulated lorry already, there is a clear case for allowing them also to drive all types of coach and bus services. Graham Vidler, Chief Executive, Confederation of Passenger Transport

In particular, the proposals could help family-run British businesses like Stanley Travel recruit more drivers, providing more services and greater choice for local travellers.

As a medium-sized, family-run coach company, we’re always looking to attract younger bus and coach drivers to our sector. We fully welcome these proposals which would remove the entry barriers to the industry, help us run more services to provide customers with greater choice, and open up fantastic careers as a coach driver for young people.

Andrew Scott , Director, Stanley Travel

The consultation comes only a few weeks after local councils in England have been allocated £143 million to roll out almost a thousand zero-emission buses and deliver cleaner, smoother and better bus journeys for all.

The Department has also invested over £3.5 billion since 2020 to protect and improve bus services, in addition to £1 billion to improve bus services in the North and the Midlands and extend the £2 bus fare cap to the end of this year, both thanks to reallocated HS2 funding.

Lorry drivers are already benefitting from better working conditions following a total £31 million in joint Government and industry investment to improve truckstops up and down the country by delivering better rest areas, improved welfare facilities and more secure lorry parking. WANT TO TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT YOUR RECRUITMENT NEEDS?

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RECRUITMENT & TRAINING APPOINTMENTS

LUKE CONLON

TRANSLAND GROUP

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS TO WELCOMING IN THE POSITION OF

IRISH LOGISTICS FIRM APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Aleading Irish transport and logistics company has appointed a new Director of Operations to oversee the strategic development of its Dublin depot.

Transland Group, a longstanding member of Palletways UK, upskilled from within the business by awarding the role to Luke Conlon.

Luke joined the team in 2021 as Transland’s Sales Representative and, after taking on responsibilities outside of his remit, worked his way up the ranks to General Manager in 2023 and now to Director of Operations for Transland Group.

As General Manager, Luke was responsible for overseeing the overall day-to-day operations of the depot, including its P&L and staff development, where he led the project on designing and implementing an employee bonus scheme.

In his new role as Director of Operations, Luke will oversee the strategic development of Transland’s operation while also managing the structure and resources of the various departments to maximise productivity and provide longterm opportunities for staff.

Speaking on his appointment, Luke said: I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with Transland Group and recognise that it has been a great privilege to work with so many talented people both in our company and across the

wider Palletways network. This is a year of continued growth and employee development within Transland Group. Part of my remit will be focusing on long-term operational strategies and introducing more efficient workflows to optimise productivity and performance, at a company and individual level. I will be working closely with senior management to ensure that the company’s key objectives are achieved. I aim to create exciting, long-term opportunities for each member of staff and look forward to developing our operations in the UK and Ireland.

Luke, who has been part of the Palletways’ Emerging Leaders Programme, has also earned high praise for the role he played in stabilising service during the unprecedented period of disruption following Brexit.

Warwick Trimble, UK Network Director at Palletways

Transland Group are a first-class operation, who deliver industry leading service for the Palletways network into Ireland and mainland Europe. Luke has proved to be a key part of the organisation and will doubtlessly play a major role in its future growth.

Earlier this year, Transland Group merged both its Transport and Operations arms – which cover Irish Domestic Freight and UK-IE/EU Freight respectively –into a newly-formed ‘Traffic Department’.

The goal of this merger is to upskill staff and strengthen the team by giving employees the opportunity to experience different areas of the business and allowing them to gain more industry knowledge.

TO WELCOMING

REBECCA PRICE

IN THE POSITION OF

HEAD OF COMMERCIAL SERVICES

SENIOR APPOINTMENT FOR UK PALLET POOLER

AMidlands-based pallet pooling specialist has made a senior appointment to lead its commercial services team in the UK and Ireland. IPP has appointed Rebecca Price as head of commercial services to enhance the digitalisation of its personalised service while supporting its ambitious growth plans. Rebecca brings extensive experience to the role and an impressive CV, having worked in customer service and experience for 20 years and built high-performing teams in a range of industries, including the utilities, social housing and construction sectors. IPP’s commercial team, which is based in Coventry, is responsible for the day-to-day running of customer accounts and works in collaboration with other departments to provide excellent customer experience. The company’s reusable, sustainable wooden pallets are used by a wide range of FMCG brands across the UK and Europe.

My experience lies in using data to drive transformational change and identifying opportunities to improve the service a customer receives. As head of commercial services, my role at IPP is key to ensuring the customer experience is excellent throughout while driving down pallet loss for the benefit of all our customers. We understand our customers have high sustainability targets and it’s our job to go the extra mile to help them achieve their targets through increased digitalisation. I’m looking forward to getting out and seeing our customers in person, understanding their individual needs and processes and looking at how we can use data to make further improvements to their IPP service.

Rebecca’s appointment follows the recent additions of Paul Timbrell as head of commercial accounts and Sarah Mercer as business programme director.

We are investing heavily in the expansion of our heads of functions to support our UKI growth strategy. Collectively, the team is highly skilled and has extensive experience in delivering growth; the appointment of a new head of commercial services will enable IPP to drive the digitalisation of our services forward. Rebecca’s experience will also enhance our customer experience and prepare our commercial services team for the next stage of growth, while using data to identify new ways to improve processes and add value to the service we provide.

Shelley Pierre, commercial director at IPP

Rebecca added: The supply chain industry is fast moving with a lot of complex processes happening in the background. I find that really exciting and it’s why I wanted to work in the industry; it’s fast paced and will only go from strength to strength.

IPP, which is part of the Faber Group, provides reusable pallet and box pooling services across Europe for fast moving consumer goods and industrial supply chains, operating a pay-per-use model over ownership.

The company has set a target to become net-zero by 2045 following the publication of Faber Group’s first sustainability report earlier this year.

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Join our leading global freight forwarder as a Business Development Manager in Air & Ocean Logistics. Drive growth in key logistics sectors, engage with SMEs, and build strong client relationships. Remote and office-based work for flexibility and collaboration. Apply now to contribute to our global freight forwarding business in Leeds, Felixstowe, or Heathrow. Take your career to new heights with a competitive salary, lucrative commission structure, and comprehensive benefits. Join our thriving air and ocean logistics team and make an impact today!

ROAD EU FREIGHT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

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Join our client in Leeds as a Road EU Freight Business Development Manager and take your logistics career to new heights. Earn £50,000 - £75,000 per annum + bonuses and benefits. Drive revenue through strategic sales planning and relationship building. Proven business development experience in the road EU freight industry required. Excellent communication skills and knowledge of the Leeds and EU logistics landscape. Apply now and make an impact in a leading logistics company!

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LEEDS (HYBRID)

Position Summary

Join our client in Leeds as a Road EU Freight Sales Manager and propel your logistics career. Earn £50,000 - £70,000 per annum + bonuses and benefits. Drive revenue through international agent setups and new trade lanes. Proven experience in road EU freight sales management required. Excellent communication skills and knowledge of the Leeds and EU logistics landscape. Apply now and make an impact in a leading logistics company!

JOB OPPORTUNITY: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER - SEA LOGISTICS

BRISTOL

Permanent

Salary: £40,000 - £55,000 per annum (dependent on experience) + commission and benefits

Position Summary

Join our global freight forwarder in Bristol as a Business Development Manager. This hybrid role offers a blend of remote and office-based work, providing flexibility and work-life balance. Drive the growth of our sea logistics business by engaging with SMEs, nurturing client relationships, and leveraging your industry knowledge. Take on responsibilities such as business development, market research, presentations, collaboration, market analysis, quotations, and CRM management. If you have a proven sales track record, excellent communication skills, and a target-driven mindset, apply now for this exciting opportunity. Join our supportive team and contribute to our global freight forwarding success in Bristol

VACANCIES

HR DIRECTOR

PLANO TX

Salary: up to $120,000

Responsibilities:

• Oversee human resources, legal, compliance, and administration functions.

• Manage all HR functions, including the recruiting process, job description creation, coordinating interviews with candidates and appropriate company employees, employee training, coaching, counseling, and handling sensitive internal HR issues, including terminations.

• Update required HR materials such as handbooks, policies, and procedures.

• Review all legal agreements.

• Ensure compliance with the Parent Company’s compliance programs and provide appropriate training.

• Participate in risk management reviews and coordinate issue resolution with the parent company’s insurance department and broker.

• Engage in insurance claims activity, including reporting to senior management and creating policies and procedures.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

REMOTE, USA

Salary: $Negotiable

Responsibilities:

• Forecasting and targeting sales goals on a monthly and annual basis

• Creating and presenting proposals for the ocean, air, import-export, and warehousing solutions

• Researching and prospecting for new customers through phone, email, cold call, and other channels

• Updating management on progress to sales goals

SALES EXECUTIVE

REMOTE, USA

Salary: $Negotiable

Responsibilities:

• Develop new business through research, prospecting and qualifying new opportunities. This will include customer visits & developing relationships within the defined geographical area.

• Increase market share within assigned territory and achieve assigned financial budget for volume, revenue, and profit.

• Successfully close new business and onboard new clients.

• Increase market share within existing client base.

• Maintain contact with all clients to ensure high levels of client satisfaction

OPERATIONS LEADER

MIAMI, FL

Salary: $60,000–$75,000

Responsibilities:

• Excellent command of English and Spanish, knowledgeable in TSA & Bonded, Excel, leadership ability to ensure optimal function and fulfillment of the operation.

• Lead Warehouse & Transport to ensure optimal management of the operations in charge and attention to corporate customer requirements.

• Lead strategies to ensure project profitability and compliance with Ebitda and cash flow requirements.

• Lead the design and implementation of logistics projects to meet business growth expectations.

• Propose initiatives that seek continuous improvement of processes, and lead optimization projects.

• Execute the logistic planning of the operations in charge.

• Ensure the supply of the necessary resources to fulfill the service promise to customers.

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

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JS DAVIDSON EXPANDS WITH ACQUISITION OF NEW SITE

Peterborough-based JS Davidson has expanded its business with the acquisition of the cold storage arm of GXO Logistics UK

The temperature-controlled solutions specialist has taken over the Spalding warehouse, complete with 6,500 of frozen pallet spaces and 15 members of staff being TUPE’d across to JS Davidson.

It is an exciting move for JS Davidson and one which will provide a platform for further growth forming part of JS Davidson’s plans to double the size of the business within the next four years. Plans are also in place to expand its Peterborough site.

The new acquisition, which sits on a 3.5 acre site, will be known as Spalding Cold Store Ltd – part of the JS Davidson family.

Taking over the site in mid May, the award-winning JS Davidson team have already hit the ground running and have assisted in securing a BRCGS AA accreditation demonstrating best practice in ensuring the quality and safety of food products remains optimal during both storage and distribution process.

The announcement follows a period of substantial investment over the past 18 months by the fast-expanding business which has seen the acquisition of a Portable Hybrid Blast Freeze / tempering unit as well as new vehicles, forklifts, WMS, GEA refrigerated compressor and aircooled cooling tower totalling in excess of £1 million.

The new developments are all designed to increase productivity, drive greater efficiencies, reduce carbon footprint and provide added value to JS Davidson’s ever-increasing customer base.

Spalding Cold Store customers too will benefit from JS Davidson’s extensive one-stop solution offering which includes distribution, ambient, chilled and frozen storage and supply chain solution services.

Spalding Cold Store is an incredibly exciting new development for the business. It is a sizeable site and one which we are confident will provide a host of opportunities. There is already an excellent team in place coupled with an impressive customer base providing a fantastic opportunity for JS Davidson as we continue to grow the business.

John Davidson, Managing Director, JS Davidson

1 MAY 2024 | Source: KINGS TRANSPORT

KINGS TRANSPORT SETS ITS SIGHTS ON GROWTH WITH ACQUISITION OF NINGBO LONDON

Kings Transport is pleased to announce its acquisition of Ningbo London from Palletline Logistics

Operating under the umbrella of Kings Transport Holdings Ltd, the business will trade as Ningbo Logistics. It is an exciting move for the North Weald based family run business and one which will extend its footprint throughout the Essex region whilst at the same time significantly increasing its workforce to 103 and its fleet from 40 to 51 vehicles. Its warehousing space will also expand by more than a third, from 90,000 sq ft to 122,000 sq ft. providing additional storage opportunities for its customers.

Kings Transport, which is a member of the Palletline network, is a business which has in recent years enjoyed considerable growth.

With its roots in removals and storage, the company took the decision to diversify its offering becoming a member of the Palletline network in 2008. In its first year of joining 19 per cent of company turnover was generated through the network and by 2022 network freight was contributing to 55 per cent of Kings turnover.

This latest development comes on the back of another recent strategic move when Kings absorbed Phoenix Logistics into the business enabling it to further extend its offering of customs warehousing through its ETSF operation.

Today services include warehousing and storage, palletised freight, contract logistics, removals and more recently customs clearance. The company also holds ISO 9001, is FORS silver-accredited and has additional sites in Dunton and Hertford.

Ningbo London became part of Palletline Logistics two years ago to ensure network service integrity, and provides logistics solutions and network freight distribution throughout the Essex region. It joined the Hazchem network in 2023 and this, along with its customer base, will add further value to the Kings Transport operation.

Martin King, CEO of Kings Transport, said the acquisition will allow the business to strengthen and extend its foothold throughout the Essex region. This is a significant opportunity for Kings Transport which will help shape the future of the company and enhance our capabilities in transport and warehousing. We recognised the synergies between our two organisations making us an ideal fit. The opportunity will be a considerable milestone for our business and one we believe will bring numerous benefits to our team and clients.

The acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for the family business founded 45 years ago by Steve King. A qualified mechanic, Steve moved into transport by default after delivering nappies for Mothercare from his car. Other early customers include a Co-op biscuit factory and Woolworths. Steve later invested in a van and after being called upon to help friends and family move homes his business diversified into removals and began to grow with long-time business partner Keith Borrett also coming on board.

Handing over the reins to his son Martin in 2021, Steve remains on the board along with COO Rob Evans and his daughter Lucy Seagrave who is Kings Transport’s Company Operations and Claims Manager.

MEDIA & MARKETING

The promotion and dissemination of knowledge and information about products and organisations both externally and internally.

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Sponsored by

14 MAY 2024 | Source: DSV

DSV & THRAPSTON PRIMARY SCHOOL ARE ‘BUSY BEES’ SUPPORTING THEIR LOCAL ECOSYSTEMS

DSV, a global leader in transport and logistics, is delighted to be expanding its sustainability initiatives at its Brackmills site, with a special contribution from Thrapston Primary School. In a holistic approach to environmental stewardship and biodiversity conservation, DSV has undertaken a series of activities aimed at enhancing natural habitats and promoting insect biodiversity within the local ecosystem.

Building upon previous efforts, DSV has initiated a second round of tree planting activities around their largest European healthcare Warehouse site. This endeavour aims to restore and expand natural habitats, increase green space and enhance biodiversity within the local ecosystem. Complementing the tree planting initiative, DSV has installed a bespoke insect hotel on site, designed to provide refuge and nesting opportunities for a diverse range of insect species.

The DSV insect hotel features a variety of habitat structures, including wooden nesting areas, hollow stems and broken potting materials kindly provided by Smiths Garden Centre specifically tailored to attract and accommodate different insect species. This innovative habitat enhancement measure not only supports insect biodiversity but also serves as an educational tool for raising awareness about the importance of insects in ecosystem functioning.

As part of the insect hotel project, DSV wanted to include local stakeholders and were thrilled that Thrapston Primary School accepted their invite. Their students learned about biodiversity and the importance of insects to the local ecosystem and then gathered twigs and pinecones for the insect hotel. To express gratitude, Bhav Somal, DSV’s Sustainability Manager and former Field Biologist, spent time with the school children, teaching them about insects and even building a miniature insect hotel for the school to keep outside their classroom.

Our tree planting activities and the installation of the DSV insect hotel synergise with our new beekeeping partnership, where a fenced section of the site is being used by a local beekeeper. The diverse array of plants provided by the newly planted trees and the insect-friendly habitat provided by the insect hotel further enriches the foraging resources available to bee colonies, ensuring their continued health and productivity.

Liam Crook-Chambers, Assistant Principal at Thrapston Primary School, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration stating, Our children absolutely loved their visit from Bhav. He spent over two hours with the children teaching them all about insects, and they were thrilled to be able to contribute to DSV’s insect hotel. Bhav is coming back to see the children before they break up for the summer holidays, and they can’t wait to show him how they have been looking after the insect hotel.

DSV remains committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship, actively engaging with local communities to promote biodiversity conservation and raise awareness about the importance of preserving natural habitats.

GEBRÜDER WEISS SUPPORTS THE ‘GREENLAND PROJECT’ CLIMATE EXPEDITION

Logistics company provides transport modes and equipment for a month-long scientific expedition in which international researchers hope to gain new insights into glacier melting in Greenland

Greenland has been the focus of climate research for many years because, as one of the largest ice regions in the world, the island is sensitive to climate change. This means Greenland is a particularly interesting place for scientists. With this in mind, an international team of researchers including two scientists, a medical doctor, and a photographer is setting off on foot on a special mission on April 29 to measure the thickness of its ice sheet at key intervals. Transport modes and equipment for this unique and sustainable expedition is supported by the international logistics company Gebrüder Weiss.

As one of the world’s leading logistics service providers, we also see it as our duty to support selected research initiatives such as the Greenland Project. The purpose of the expedition is to gain insights into climate change that will help us make smart decisions for our future.

Wolfram

Senger-Weiss, CEO, Gebrüder Weiss

Specifically, the research team has set out to cross Greenland roughly following the 70th parallel north, which connects the village of Kangerlussuaq on the west coast with the city of Isortoq on the east coast. The density of the ice sheet will be measured at regular intervals to obtain measurements for comparison with earlier ones taken along this route. The project team will cover a total of 600 kilometers (373 miles) on skis, each with a sled in tow.

As our research essentially focuses on the climate and glacier melt, we feel it is important for it to be as climate-neutral as possible. Conducting an expedition on foot into this fragile ecosystem enables the measurements to be taken in a much more environmentally friendly way than would be possible by helicopter, and with a greater degree of accuracy than would be possible by satellite. We can rely on dependable equipment in this inhospitable environment thanks to the support of Gebrüder Weiss.

The aim of the month-long expedition is to gain valuable insights into the connections between the temperature fluctuations in Greenland in recent decades and the further effects on the global climate.

Gebrüder Weiss will use its social media channels in the coming months to provide ongoing updates about the project, from impressive pictures from Greenland to exciting research findings. These channels also provide information on all the

Niklas Marc Heinecke, photographer & co-founder of ’The Greenland Project’

The results of the expedition, which will be analyzed in more detail at the University of Sunshine Coast in Australia, hold global significance. They will be shared with researchers from all over the world, contributing to our collective understanding of climate change.

other innovative mobility projects supported by the logistics company.

Most recently, Gebrüder Weiss transported the equipment for the Mars Analog Mission AMADEE-24 of the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF) to Armenia.

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PALL-EX GROUP TRANSFORMS SCOTTISH DELIVERY STANDARDS

With long-distance journeys, severe weather conditions and remote locations outside the central belt, Scotland has long had a reputation as a challenging region for palletised freight distribution. In response to these difficulties, PallEx launched the Scotland Project with the objective of setting new standards in service excellence to outperform competitors and exceed customer expectations.

The project was inspired by the proven successes of the London Project, launched in early 2022, which was implemented to improve customer service and On-Time In Full (OTIF) delivery rates in the capital. While some of the challenges in London, like high levels of congestion, inflated costs and parking restrictions were different to those faced in Scotland, these issues resulted in the same demanding delivery conditions which manifested as inconsistencies in the service levels achieved.

Launched in late 2022, the Scotland project has transformed the logistics landscape in what has always been a challenging market. By partnering with quality member depots, strategically positioned to reduce last-mile delivery distances and enhanced commercial offerings, the project has boosted on-time delivery rates to 98% – a previously unseen level of consistency in the region.

By mirroring the solution developed for London and tailoring it to the distinct geographic and economic market conditions, we’ve not only achieved 98% service targets, but the region is now benefiting from unparalleled delivery efficiency and reliability.

Barry Byers, UK Managing Director, Pall-Ex Group.

Working with eight of its shareholder members in strategic locations, delivery zones were re-engineered to allow for improved load and route planning, increasing efficiency and profitability. This, coupled with support, guidance and training from Pall-Ex Group’s Quality and Compliance department, has been the driving force to delight customers with the quality service they now receive. Additionally, it has provided members with increased commercial opportunities and significantly boosted overall pallet volumes and revenues.

Byers explains that the shareholder members have been at the heart of the project’s success: Their commitment and co-operation as loyal shareholder members of Pall-Ex Group makes them integral to our service excellence ethos. Our members help support and guide the Scotland project and are key to its overall success, bringing sustainability to our network members and delivering market leading service quality to our clients and our client’s customers.

By working closely with its members in Scotland, Pall-Ex Group has overcome the divisions and obstacles that have historically impacted Scottish deliveries. With the right people in the right locations, it now offers a robust, uniform service that customers can rely on – even in the most remote locations.

Pallet-Track is marking 20 years in business by investing over £100,000 in dual liveries for its network shareholder members

The Wolverhampton pallet network has already helped to put 14 trailers on the road, with many more to come, in the new dual-branded livery, underlining its ongoing commitment to its members.

The objective of the design was to bring the Pallet-Track and the member brands together in a consistent and uniform way, while raising the profile of the network and its shareholder members. The rollout began earlier this year when the design was revealed to the shareholder members at Windsor’s De Vere, Beaumont Estate where Pallet-Track hosted its 20th Anniversary Gala.

Stuart Godman, CEO at Pallet-Track, said: Trailers are fantastic tool in highlighting our positive image and this investment plan underscores Pallet-Track as one of the strongest and most stable pallet networks in the UK. Having our dual branding at the same weighting demonstrates the mutual respect shared between our business and our shareholder members and underlines our passion to grow and succeed together. Many might think it was a brave choice to leave part of the livery white, but we felt it was necessary to ensure that every brand in our network shines on its own and we feel it underlines our position as the UK’s best, and most supportive, pallet network.

Steve Truman, Operations Manager, NTEX

Business is built on partnerships and relationships, so we did not hesitate when Pallet-Track first discussed this option, so much so that we agreed on the same day.

We were delighted to have the opportunity to be involved with the new livery rollout right from the offset. The new livery looks fantastic and greatly complements our own truck livery, the combination creates a striking presence.

Rosemary McCann, Director, McCann Transport Services

Pallet-Track shares our ethos and standards, so dual branding was a given.

Chris Flynn, Managing Director, Mars Jones Limited, which joined the network in 2023

Stuart added, I am overwhelmed by the interest from all shareholder members, and I am incredibly proud to lead this business and to introduce new ways to celebrate our partnerships in 2024 and beyond.

Pallet-Track launched in 2004 with 46 members and handled 852 pallets during its first night of operation. Its shareholder network now includes more than 90 members, who collectively move four million pallets per year.

16 MAY 2024 | Source:

GIVING BACK

IT’S TEE TIME FOR PALLET-TRACK’S ANNUAL GOLF DAY

Keen golfers swung into action for a worthy cause, raising £4,920 for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity at Pallet-Track’s annual golf day

The Wolverhampton based pallet network has committed to raising £75,000, over three years, to fund a new critical care car for the charity, which was unveiled at the event at Morley Hayes Golf Club in Derbyshire.

The 18th staging of the event featured 51 golfers from 13 teams, made up of Pallet-Track colleagues, its network shareholder members and its business partners. Taking home the trophy on the day were ‘Is There Life On Mars?’, while the runners up were ‘The Four Divots’.

The fundraising event was held to help fund the running of the new critical care car, which will run across six Midlands counties between 7pm and 7am.

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is responsible for funding and operating three air ambulances and a fleet of critical care cars across the largest air ambulance operating region in the UK. It has had a strong presence in the area since launching in 1991, attending more than 75,000 missions. This vital service provides hospital-level care directly to the scene of an incident, giving patients the best possible chance of survival and recovery.

From January 2024, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s pre-hospital lifesaving service has been trialling a new clinical operating model, which sees its crew now responding on a 24/7 basis.

Once again, our annual golf day surpassed all expectations, not least in the amount raised by our Shareholder Members for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. It is an incredible charity whose lifesaving work helps those who need it the most, when they need it the most. However, many do not know that it relies on financial donations and receives no government funding for its daily operations. Our golf day is a fun event but, most importantly, it aims to raise as much money as possible for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity so it can continue to provide essential pre-hospital care and lifesaving intervention with this new critical care car.

Stuart Godman, Chief Executive, Pallet-Track

Our thanks go to Pallet-Track and those who helped raise so much to support our vital charity. Midlands Air Ambulance Charity relies solely on donations and needs between £13 and £14 million each year to continue to reach and treat those in critical need. Thanks to the PalletTrack annual golf day and the sizeable amount raised, future missions have been secured.

Jon Cottrell, senior partnership executive, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity

GIVING BACK NEWS

Daniella Sutton, 15 years old, up-and-coming racing driver from Warrington. Diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) at the age of 12...but there is a surprise with Daniella: she is fast (very fast!)

Daniella has been racing since the age of 6, and gained her professional racing licence at the age of 12. Daniella has won many accolades in her racing career, the most recent accomplishments include...

Total Karting Zero UK North Champion 2022

Seeded 4th from 33 drivers in the Daniel Ricciardo Series UK Championship 2023

Recognised as the 'Best Performance by a Junior' 2023 by the British Womens Racing Drivers Club

British Racing & Sports Car Club Scholarship Champion 2024

Daniella's scholarship prize has given her a place within professional racing team 20Ten racing for the 2024 season. We are seeking to grow with Daniella's current sponsors and form partners with new partners and sponsors so she can be on the grid for 2025. Daniella is a determined young lady and has ambitions to climb the motorsport ladder to reach the pinnacle of motorsport. One possible pathway is to move up the Formula route, F4, F3, F2 and F1, with the hopes to be selected for the F1 Academy.

With the support of keystone sponsors alongside a title sponsor this goal will be attainable.

Businesses joining Daniella will be advocating:

• Elite females in sport

• Backing women in motorsport

• Backing a working-class female to achieve at elite level

• Backing hidden illnesses in elite sports

• Supporting mental health. It is believed that positive mindset can help combat JIA

Companies would get the following in return from the relationship:

• Title sponsor branding on race car/racewear

• Corporate hospitality at some of the UK and worlds most prestigious race circuits

• Invite top executives/clients to a track day with professional racing driver support

• Visit to HQ with race car for promotional event

• Daniella is developing her public speaking skills at only 15 years old. She can be a guest speaker at the requirements of your company.

• As this journey grows not only could Daniella promote and help advertise a company but help build relationships with businesses that can add B2B and financial return.

• Learn/listen to what Daniella and motorsport could do for your company

28 MARCH 2024 | Source: HAMBURG PORT ALLIANCE

HAMBURG PORT ALLIANCE BRINGS RELIEF SUPPLIES TO ODESSA

The ‘Hamburg-Odessa Port Bridge’ action alliance, consisting of several Hamburg aid organisations, companies and associations, sent urgently needed relief supplies to Odessa. The recipient is a children's hospital in the Odessa region.

The Port of Hamburg and the Ukrainian Port of Odessa have a longstanding partnership - not least because of the Container Terminal Odessa (CTO), which the Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) has been operating on the Black Sea for more than 20 years. Several partners have joined forces in the ‘Hamburg-Odessa Harbour Bridge’ alliance to support the people of Odessa and the region affected by the war. The initiators ‘Der HAFEN HILFT’, the Ukrainian Relief Corps, the Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), the Humanitarian Logistics Organisation (HLO) and Hafen Hamburg Marketing e.V. have jointly appealed to their networks for donations.

The funds were swiftly utilized to procure urgently needed relief supplies including medical consumables, food, and medical technology, requested by a children's hospital in the Odessa region. The HHLA is organising the transportation of these materials from Hamburg's Altenwerder Container Terminal to the Ukrainian port city with the help of its European logistics network, including its rail subsidiary Metrans.

The past few weeks have shown us once again how much the civilian population in Odessa is suffering as a result of the war. We are therefore pleased to be able to contribute to alleviating the emergency situation. At the same time, we are impressed by the willingness to donate and the efficiency of the network of Hamburg logistics companies. We would like to express our sincere thanks on behalf of all the partners involved,’ concludes Axel Mattern, CEO of Port of Hamburg Marketing. Even more than two years after the start of the war, images of violence

DURATION DURATION : 4 DAYS : 4 DAYS

CYCLING CYCLING : 2 DAYS : 2 DAYS

DISTANCE DISTANCE : 159 MILES : 159 MILES CLIMB: CLIMB: 7,300FT 7,300FT

SCAN ME

and destruction from Ukraine continue to shake us every day. HHLA feels a special bond with the Ukraine through its terminal in Odessa. A big thank you therefore goes to all those involved and the many committed employees who have made this further delivery of urgently needed goods possible, Angela Titzrath, HHLA CEO

Upon arrival in the Black Sea port, the humanitarian coordination team of the Odessa Military Administration will ensure the distribution of the aid.

Donations can still be made to the North German-Ukrainian aid organisation with the reference ‘Port of Hamburg helps Odessa’. All necessary information can be found at https://hilfe-ua.de/donate

UK Registered Charity No: 1072105 | Patron: HRH The Princess Royal

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